Back-to-school season brings new routines, new friendships and plenty of opportunities for germs to spread. While it’s impossible to avoid every illness, a few simple habits can help keep children healthy, reduce missed school days and support a successful school year.
- One of the best ways to prevent illness is proper handwashing. Teach children to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, before eating, after playing outside, and after coughing or sneezing. Keeping hand sanitizer in backpacks and lunchboxes can help when soap and water aren’t available.
- Parents can also help reduce germs at home by creating a designated spot for shoes and backpacks, cleaning reusable water bottles and lunchboxes daily, and encouraging children to change out of school clothes when they get home. Annual flu vaccination is another important way to protect children and help prevent missed school days.
What to do if you kid does get sick
Even with the best prevention efforts, kids sometimes get sick. If your child develops a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a new rash, red eyes with discharge, or a persistent cough, it’s best to keep them home from school.
- A fever is generally defined as a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Fevers are often a sign that the body’s immune system is fighting an infection and don’t always require treatment unless your child is uncomfortable. Keeping children hydrated and monitoring their symptoms are often the most important steps.
Same-day care
Having a trusted pediatrician can make managing your child’s health easier throughout the school year. Regular checkups, vaccinations and same-day sick care can help keep your child healthy and thriving.
- Novant Health has a 24-hour guarantee for sick visits.
- Call a clinic near you and be seen the same or the next day.
Looking for a pediatrician? Novant Health offers pediatricians who are accepting new patients and provide convenient online scheduling. Schedule an appointment today.
