Back to school: Keep your child (& yourself) healthy

August means back to school, which, in turn, means more exposure to germs. Schools are hotspots for colds, flus, stomach viruses, and more. And when kids come home at the end of the day, they can expose the rest of the family, too.

Parents play a key role in keeping their households healthy during this time of year. Make sure your children have up-to-date vaccines and that the school is aware of any special medical needs your kids may have. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required or recommended, consult your school and make sure you take any questions or concerns to your family doctor.

Returning to a crowded building after a couple of months away can be a jolt to many children’s immune systems, especially for kids entering school or daycare for the first time. Being exposed to many germs and viruses for the first time can make for a long year, but kids should adapt as their immune systems strengthen throughout the school year.

One key to staying healthy is to instill good hygienic habits to protect your child and other students as well. Especially important habits to teach are regular hand-washing and cough/sneeze etiquette if your child has allergies or a common cold. It’s also a good idea to put hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack so they can clean up easily when soap and water aren’t readily available.