This time of year, schools find themselves home to a multitude of viral and bacterial illnesses. However, there is good news! There are a few simple things you can do to help your child stay well and to prevent the spread of illness.
Wash your hands! Washing hands properly reduces absences from stomach bugs in school children by 29-57% (CDC). Be sure to practice proper hand washing technique with your children.
Practice good respiratory and cough etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, followed by...you guessed it...washing your hands!
Stay home when you're sick. Some reasons to have your child stay home from school include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms that are severe enough that your child cannot fully participate in their daily activities.
Here are a few more tips from the CDC on knowing when to keep your child home from school:
Let's share kindness, not germs!