Preventing back-to-school sickness

A new school year brings new classes, new teachers and reunions with friends after summer break. But it can also bring increased sniffles, coughs and colds.

"When lots of children are together in close spaces for long periods of time, everyone's germs are shared," says Michael Lee, M.D., Pediatrician at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern. "These 'germs' are mostly viruses and can live on classroom desks, tables or doorknobs."

Why is my child always sick since starting school?

At school, children come into contact with new viruses often. The most common ones are colds, coughs, stomach bugs and pink eye (conjunctivitis). COVID-19 and flu also circulate during the fall and winter months. And kids can also spread bacterial infections, including impetigo (a skin infection) and strep throat.

There's no secret formula to keep kids from getting sick. But there are steps that parents and caregivers can take to prevent illness when kids go back to school.

How can I keep my child from getting sick at school?

Regular hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and keep your child healthy. Children (and adults) should wash their hands:

• After sneezing or blowing their nose
• After touching doorknobs, desks and handrails
• After using the bathroom
• Before and after eating

Believe it or not, you'll need to teach your child proper hand washing. This includes scrubbing the front and back of their hands and between their fingers for at least 20 seconds – or as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. If soap and water aren't easily available, your child can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

It's also important to show your child how to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow. Why? Because respiratory infections easily spread through droplets in the air.

How can I boost my child's immune system?

The immune system is what our bodies use to fight infection. Dr. Lee offers four tips to keep a child's immune system healthy and help avoid common school illnesses.

1. Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep

Research shows that getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to strengthen your child's immune system.

But how much sleep does a child need? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Preschoolers: 10 to 13 hours daily (including naps)
• Children ages 6 to 12: 9 to 12 hours daily
• Teens: 8 to 10 hours daily

Tips for helping your child get enough sleep:

• Start slowly adjusting their bedtime (if needed) before the start of school. See 7 tips for adjusting sleep schedule for school.
• Make sure their bedroom is cool, dark and screen-free.
• Use a bedtime routine for younger children. This might include a bath, story time, stretching or listening to relaxing music together.

2. Keep stress at a minimum

Stress can impact your child's overall health and wellbeing as chronic stress can wear down their immune system and cause anxiety or depression. To help your child reduce stress, you can:

• Check in with them before the school year starts. Ask them: “Is there anything you're worried about when you think about going back to school?”
• Watch out for signs of anxiety, including changes in sleep, eating or behavior.
• Get support from a mental health professional, if needed. You might start with your child's pediatrician or school counselor.
• Give kids plenty of free time and time to play.
• Let your child choose their after-school activities and help them find a healthy life balance.

3. Stay up to date with your child's vaccinations

Vaccines are a great way to help your child prevent sickness. ”The flu vaccine is especially important. It is the best way to prevent the flu, which can be easily spread at school," says Dr. Lee.

Similarly, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID‑19 is to get an updated a COVID‑19 vaccine each year, just like you get your updated flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get updated COVID vaccines – and flu vaccines. It's best to do this in the fall, at the start of flu season.

Learn more about all the recommended vaccines for children.

4. Offer healthy food choices

Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone. But it's especially important for growing kids and busy students. Offering options from all five food groups helps give your child the right mix of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. And avoiding added sugar and sugary beverages are great ways to help maintain good health.

Some foods have even been proven to help boost our immune systems. These foods include:

• Fruits and vegetables. Check out these dietitian-approved tricks to encourage kids to eat more vegetables.
• Yogurt. The probiotics found in yogurt help to promote good gut health.
• Whole grains and healthy, lean proteins. These are great energy foods for kids.

What should I do if my child is sick?

Despite your best efforts, your child may still get sick. When that happens, it's best to keep them home from school to avoid spreading germs or viruses.

Keep your child home from school when they have:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• COVID‑19
• Norovirus (or stomach flu)
• Chickenpox, measles or hand, foot and mouth disease

"A child's body needs rest and time to heal," says Dr. Lee. "Keeping a sick child home gives their immune system a chance to do its work. And it keeps your child from spreading illness to others."

If you're unsure if a sick child needs to be seen by a doctor – or you're short on time – Children's Health Virtual Visit provides several convenient options for parents and caregivers.

Learn more

Children's Health is here to help as your child prepares for a new year at school. See more tips and advice for making this school year a healthy and happy one.