DOCTOR IS IN: Back-to-school means back to germs for kids

BY VIVIAN LENNON, M.D.

Medical Director, Primary Care, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

When preparing your children for going back to school, germs, immunizations, and healthy habits are just as essential as reading, writing and arithmetic.

With the start of the school season comes the battle against germs. The CDC states that nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold, flu and other infections.

Schools are a breeding ground for germs as some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes to more than two hours on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

The unfortunate reality is that your child will get sick, but you can help keep him healthy by teaching habits such as good hand washing and coughing into the elbow. Be extra cautious if there is a known illness in the home or at school. In addition, if your child has medications that need to be taken at school for a common cold they need to be labeled by the pharmacy, and appropriate paperwork needs to be completed by you and your child’s physician.

However, germs are not necessarily your child’s only nemesis- there’s still algebra and calculus to overcome. Remember it’s good for children to have some exposure to germs because it helps build up their immune system against new viruses.

Help prevent the spread of germs with these tips:

•    Teach your children to wash their hands for as long as it takes them to sing the chorus of their favorite song, such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “ABCs.”

•    Use an antibacterial soap with warm water.

•    Do not allow children to share drinks.

•    Keep sick children at home.

Immunizations are also important to protect your child from common illnesses. If your child is not vaccinated, his body may not be strong enough to fight preventable diseases.

Georgia law requires that all children who attend childcare or school be immunized against certain diseases. The Immunization Section at the Georgia Department of Human Resources provides a resource called Give ‘Em Your Best Shot, which explains what you need to know about Georgia’s school requirements.
For more back-to-school tips, visit MyFamilyHealthSpot.org or attend the free Kohl’s Cares for Kids Healthy Back-to-School Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Kohl’s Woodstock location.

• (Information provided by Children’s Healthcare on this site is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider for any questions you may have regarding your health and medical condition. If you rely on any information available through this website, you do so at your own risk. You understand that you are solely responsible for any damage or loss you may incur that results from your use of or reliance on any material or information provided by Children’s Healthcare through this website.)
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