- Pediatricians see an increase in kids' colds about three weeks into the school year.
- Immunization and hygiene are the two best ways to keep your kids healthy.
- Make sure school nurses have supplies of your children's prescriptions.
Now that the kids are back at school, they are less at risk for sunburn or heatstroke but more at risk for colds and flu.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the viruses responsible for colds and the flu cause the most common sicknesses in child care facilities and schools.
Colds and Flu
If you start to hear sniffles and coughs as your kids work on their homework, you are not alone. We talked to a Carilion Clinic pediatrician to learn what medical issues doctors tend to see during the school year.
Her number one response: the common cold.
The Carilion Children's team starts seeing it about three weeks into the school year. They recommend several hygiene habits that students can use to protect themselves and to avoid spreading any viruses they may be carrying:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues
- Wash your hands regularly
- Use antibacterial hand washes
- Be sure you’re getting enough sleep
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
Handwashing is of utmost importance. Kids should be reminded to wash hands frequently at school and when they get home.
Immunizations
Every student should get the annual flu vaccine once it is available each fall.
Getting school vaccinations before kindergarten and before middle school will ensure that your child has all the protections that they need.
Prescription Medications
Students who are being treated for other conditions should be sure to follow their doctor's instructions and take their medications as prescribed, even as their schedule and sleep patterns change.
If medications for ADHD, allergies, asthma or other conditions are not taken, a child's school day can be ruined unnecessarily.
Don't forget that even older children need to be supervised when they take their medications.
Controlled medications such as stimulants taken for ADHD have abuse and diversion potential, so teenagers taking these medications should be supervised each morning.
Their peers will ask to buy their ADHD medications more than you may know, so make sure the person for whom they are prescribed is the one taking them.
Parents can arrange with the school’s nurse or health office to hold and dispense medications that must be taken during the school day.
___________
This article was reviewed by the Carilion Children's pediatric team.
