Sickness Prevention

School is back in session and so is the beginning of cold and flu season. Did you know infants and children will experience illness 8 to 12 times more in their first year of childcare? Here are a few ways to help prevent illness and keep your child safe this school year:

• Keep your infant or child up to date on all available vaccines
• Show your children the “germ catcher” technique by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
• Teach your child proper hand washing and ensure it’s done frequently, especially at these times:
  • After arriving home from school or daycare
  • Before and after eating
  • After playing outside
  • After using the bathroom
  • After coughing or sneezing, especially if they didn’t cover their mouths properly
  • After rubbing their eyes or nose or putting fingers in their mouth
  • Before and after playing in water with other children
  • After playing with a pet
• Disinfect high touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, handles, etc.) frequently
• Prevent older siblings from bringing illness home to young infants by:
  • Washing their hands before touching the baby
  • Not touching or kissing littles ones on the face
• Keep your child home when they’re sick
  • Check out this helpful guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to learn more.
• If you’re unsure if your child is contagious or not, call or visit your pediatrician

Other references:

Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness - HealthyChildren.org

When Is an Illness Contagious? (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth