When Classes Resume, Germs Make the Rounds

A new school year brings a big shift in routines. Students return to classrooms and college campuses, teachers welcome full rooms again, activities ramp up and families settle into busier schedules. With more time spent together in classrooms, dorms, buses and locker rooms, there are also more opportunities for germs to make the rounds.

A few simple habits can help limit the spread of illness and keep everyone healthier. Whether the student in your life is starting kindergarten or living on a college campus, these are reminders worth sharing.

Start with the basics

Sleep is especially important for teens and college students. Late nights, early classes, activities and social schedules can quickly add up to too little sleep. Add stress, skipped meals or too much grab-and-go food, and it's easy to get run down. Remind them of the basics: get enough sleep, choose nutritious foods, stay hydrated and don't wait until you're feeling run down to catch up on rest.

Keeping hands clean matters, too. Wash before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. When soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good backup. A small bottle tucked into a backpack or bag makes it easy to have on hand.

Remind students not to share water bottles, drinks, utensils or other personal items that come in contact with the mouth. Taking a sip of someone's drink may seem harmless, but it's also an easy way to share germs, especially among teammates or students living in dorms.

It's also important to know when to stay home. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea or simply not feeling well enough to participate in normal activities are good reasons to rest and recover. Staying home when you're sick also helps keep illness from spreading to classmates, teammates, coworkers and others. Follow school, childcare or workplace guidelines for when it's appropriate to return.

Be ready for the season ahead

Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and talk with your healthcare provider about recommended seasonal vaccines for your family.

For college students living away from home, talk through what they should do if they get sick. They should know where to go for care, have their insurance information and know what medications they take. Having a plan ahead of time can make things easier when they're away from home.

And remember, students aren't the only ones exposed when classrooms and campuses fill up. Teachers, school staff, parents and siblings can all end up sharing the same illnesses.

We can't prevent every illness that makes the rounds, but the everyday habits we practice and remind our kids about really do matter. Helping students stay healthy can mean fewer germs coming home and fewer illnesses spreading. A few simple reminders now can help everyone have a healthier school year.