Back to School Illnesses: How to Keep Little Ones Healthy
| Kat Maddox
As the summer holidays come to an end and the school term begins, many parents are filled with excitement (and maybe a little relief) as their little ones return to their routines. But along with the new school year comes a common challenge: back-to-school illnesses.
When children head back to nursery or school after a break, they’re often exposed to a wide variety of germs, leading to sniffles, coughs, and sometimes more serious illnesses. But don’t worry — it’s a common part of the school experience, and there are steps you can take to help keep your little one healthy.
Why Are Children More Likely to Get Sick When School Starts?
Schools and nurseries are environments where children spend time in close proximity to one another, making it easier for germs to spread. Whether it’s sharing toys, touching the same surfaces, or simply breathing the same air, children can pass viruses and bacteria back and forth easily.
In addition, after the summer holidays, children’s immune systems may not be as strong due to changes in routine, disrupted sleep schedules, and exposure to new environments. This makes them more susceptible to picking up illnesses as they settle back into their regular school routine.
Common Back-to-School Illnesses
Here are some of the most common illnesses children face when they return to school:
- Colds and Flu: These are the most common illnesses children pick up. With cold and flu season peaking around September, you may notice runny noses, sore throats, and coughs as your child adjusts back to the school environment.
- Stomach Bugs: Gastroenteritis, or the "stomach flu," is another frequent culprit when children return to school. This contagious virus can spread rapidly in shared spaces, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Ear Infections: Children, especially those in nursery, are prone to ear infections due to their developing immune systems. These can often follow a cold or flu, and symptoms include ear pain, trouble hearing, and fever.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This highly contagious infection of the eye can easily be passed around in nurseries or schools, causing redness, itchiness, and watery eyes.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: This viral illness commonly affects younger children and can spread quickly through touch. It causes rashes on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth.
How to Help Prevent School Germs from Taking Over
Though it’s nearly impossible to avoid every illness, there are practical steps you can take to help protect your little ones:
- Teach Good Hygiene Habits: Make sure your child knows the importance of washing their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
- Boost Their Immune System: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, plenty of sleep, and regular physical activity. Ensuring your child gets enough rest is especially important, as it helps their body fight off infections.
- Keep a Consistent Routine: After the more relaxed summer schedule, it’s crucial to get back into a structured routine. Regular bedtimes and mealtimes will help keep your child’s body clock in sync and support their overall well-being.
- Pack a Personal Water Bottle: Sending your child to school with their own water bottle will reduce the risk of them sharing with others and picking up germs.
- Don’t Send Them to School Sick: If your child is showing symptoms of illness, such as a fever, runny nose, or cough, it’s best to keep them home until they’re feeling better. This helps prevent the spread of illness to other children.
What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick
Despite your best efforts, it’s still likely that your little one will catch something during the school year. When they do, here are a few ways to make them more comfortable:
- Keep them hydrated: Make sure they drink plenty of water, especially if they’re battling a fever or stomach bug.
- Use gentle remedies: A children’s decongestion brand like Klearvol can help soothe their symptoms naturally, offering relief from stuffy noses and congestion.
- Provide comfort: Soft blankets, cuddly toys, and lots of love can help your child rest and recover more easily.
Looking Ahead
The start of the school year can be a time of excitement and new experiences, but it also comes with its fair share of sniffles. By practicing good hygiene, maintaining healthy routines, and being prepared for inevitable illnesses, you can help your little one navigate the school year with fewer sick days.
Here at Klearvol, we understand the challenges of keeping your child healthy, especially during the colder months. With Bebbington the bear by your side, our natural decongestion support can help your little one breathe easier and sleep better, even when those back-to-school bugs hit.
For more tips on keeping your child healthy and navigating the school year, be sure to follow our blog and social media channels. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
- NHS: Common childhood illnesses and wellbeing
- Mayo Clinic: Handwashing: An effective way to prevent infection
- WebMD: Colds, Ear Infections, and Other Illnesses
For more tips on managing children's sleep and comfort needs, check out our other blogs and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community support.