With the holidays behind us, the new school term signals the return of homework, after-school activities, and the excitement of catching up with friends after a long break. Unfortunately, it can also bring with it the dreaded back-to-school sniffles and sneezes.
Most parents agree that no one likes to see their child sick, not to mention what can happen to the rest of the family if they’ve brought a contagious bug home. So, how can you help give your little ones the best chance of staying healthy? Let’s read on and uncover the tips to prevent back-to-school sick days.
Stay Up-To-Date With Vaccinations
An effective yet simple way to protect your child against the flu is by getting the flu vaccine. The flu virus goes through various mutations, and giving your child the latest vaccine provides them with the best protection against newer variants.
With June to September being peak flu season here in Victoria, it’s important to vaccinate your child by mid-April. We recommend booking a vaccination appointment before the school term starts, as the flu vaccine takes around 2 weeks to be fully effective.
Of course, not every child is going to be okay with needles. But fret not – there are plenty of other ways to keep them from catching any bugs during their time back in school.
Cultivate Good Hand Hygiene
Children tend to touch everything (contaminated surfaces included), which increases their chances of getting sick. However, as studies show, good hand hygiene can significantly reduce the chances of your child catching a bug.
Knowing this, try to instil good hand-washing habits into your child, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. It’s important to teach them the correct techniques to wash their hands, including scrubbing the front and back and in between their fingers for at least 20 seconds (fun fact, that’s the same duration as singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!).
Reinforce Flu Etiquette
Etiquette is more than just saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Teaching your child good flu etiquette can help prevent them from contracting the flu and limit the spread of germs.
Some key flu etiquette to follow includes:
- Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, not into your hands.
- Immediately disposing of used tissues properly in a rubbish bin.
- Not sharing food or drinks with others when sick, and vice versa.
- Wearing a mask if you are ill or are in close contact with others who are sick.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is one of the most effective ways to strengthen their immune system and help protect them from the flu. While every child is different, the following guidelines are a helpful reference:
- Ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours of sleep (including naps).
- Ages 6 to 12: 9 to 11 hours of sleep.
- Ages 13 to 18: 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
If your child is having trouble falling asleep, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to them that it’s time to wind down. This can include reading stories or listening to calming music before bed (and no screen time!). In addition, a bedroom that’s dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature can help your child sleep better.
Build A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy eating and staying well hydrated are vital for building a strong immune system. Incorporating balanced meals from the five food groups gives your child the right mix of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep blood flowing smoothly, allowing white blood cells to better move around the body and fight off germs more effectively.
Food and drink aside, regular physical activity also boosts your child’s immune system. Whether they’re playing a sport or having fun in the park, staying active contributes positively to their overall well-being and helps burn off excess energy.
Watch Out For Stress
Have you noticed a change in your child’s appetite, mood, or difficulty sleeping as school approaches? They may be feeling stressed, which can affect your child’s health and weaken their immune system. Here’s how you can help ease their back-to-school worries:
- Check in with them before and throughout the school year. Ask them questions about their day, such as “Is there anything worrying you about going back to school?” or “Are you enjoying school?”.
- Let them choose their own after-school activities and provide them with the necessary support.
- Help them create a daily schedule that balances school, rest, and play.
- Get support from mental health professionals when necessary. A school counsellor or your child’s paediatrician is a good start.
Beat The Sniffles With Coolaroo Clinic
At Coolaroo Clinic, we’re dedicated to ensuring your child returns to school strong. Our team of caring paediatricians are here to fully support your child, from routine checkups to getting a flu shot before the school term starts. Get in touch with us if your little one is feeling under the weather, and we’ll have them back in action before you can say “back-to-school sniffles”!