Summer is quickly coming to an end and the new school year is here! As we say goodbye to late mornings and homework free nights, back-to-school can also mean saying hello to the "back-to- school plague".
You know the sniffles, sore throat and runny nose that seems to be running rampant throughout your child's class within the first few weeks? Viruses and germs can spread even faster in the close contact students have within their classrooms making the sniffles, sore throat and coughing spells more frequent.
BUT DON'T FRET!
We have a few tips to help prevent your child from being sick this school year!
1. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!!
- Hand washing with soap removes germs. Washing your child's hands frequently prevents the spread of germs to other areas of the body like the eyes, ears and mouth. You can also use hand sanitizer in between hand washes to help eliminate germs.
2. Teach Your Child To Cover Their Cough & Sneeze With A Tissue
- Teaching your child how to cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue helps prevent the spread of germs throughout the air. If a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into your upper elbow is also a great way to prevent the spread of germs.
3. Do Not Share Food Or Drink With Others
- Sharing food and drink with other students may seem like just a friendly gesture, but it can also spread viruses and germs faster than any other method. Sharing food is especially discouraged as many children have food allergies that others may not be aware of.
4. Taking A Multi-Vitamin That Contains Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is one big immune booster! Having your child take a multi-vitamin containing Vitamin C daily can help boost their immune systems to help fight things such as the common cold. You can also find Vitamin C in foods such as oranges, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes.
5. Make Sure Your Child Is Getting Plenty Of Sleep
- Lack of sleep can affect your child's immune system preventing them from effectively fighting off viruses and germs they have been exposed to. According to the Mayo Clinic, teenagers need between nine - ten hours of sleep each night. School- aged children may need ten or more hours of sleep a night.
While these tips can help prevent sickness, we know there is no way to prevent everything
100% of the time.
The providers at Hagen Beyer Simon ENT are here to see your child at YOUR convenience!
We proudly offer after-school appointments and Saturday morning appointments.
Good Luck To All Teachers & Students This Upcoming School Year.
Stay Healthy!
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