Sending your children back to school comes with an added risk of illnesses, like the common cold.
“This time of year, with back to school and older students heading off to college, we tend to see an increase in infectious illnesses,” says Dr. Madeline Ruszala, a pediatrician at McLaren Macomb Clinton Township Pediatrics. “This is directly related to our kids living and studying in close proximity—prime conditions for the spread of germs.”
Dr. Ruszala strongly encourages good hand hygiene, especially in close-quarter conditions such as college dorms and daycare centers, with schools and teachers consistently reminding students to:
- thoroughly wash their hands after going to the bathroom as well as before and after eating
- clean toys or furniture that get visibly dirty and anything that has been exposed to a sick student
- use proper cough etiquette (covering mouths and noses and washing hands after)
The most common way for germs to enter the body is through the eyes, nose and mouth—both through inhalation and contaminated food.
“Soap-and-water handwashing should be taught to all school-age children,” Dr. Ruszala says. “And teachers should offer tissues to cover coughs and disinfectant wipes to keep surfaces in the classrooms clean. The use of hand sanitizer should also be encouraged whenever a sink is not readily available.”
Dr. Ruszala also recommends that all students be current on their vaccinations.
“We recommend that all children are up-to-date with vaccines prior to returning to school,” she said. “Vaccines are offered by most pediatrician offices as well as the county Health Department. If you’re not sure if your child is up-to-date, please reach out to his or her pediatrician’s office to find out.”
For more information about immunizations or how to make an appointment with a McLaren Macomb pediatrician, visit mclaren.org/macomb.