Getting sick with colds, ear infections and strep throat are a normal part of childhood and frankly a way for your child to build a strong immune system. As Issaquah children head back to school this fall, they will go back to the cesspool of germs and casual swapping of illnesses. While you want to protect your kids from undue fevers and sore throats, what can you do to help?
1. Teach your children good handwashing technique. Singing to themselves through the ABCs or Happy Birthday while scrubbing their hands with soap, then rinsing and drying afterwards is a helpful rule. It is good to wash your hands, prior to eating food and after using the restroom. Even washing hands when they get home from school can help decrease the germs they bring home to the family.
1. Teach your children good handwashing technique. Singing to themselves through the ABCs or Happy Birthday while scrubbing their hands with soap, then rinsing and drying afterwards is a helpful rule. It is good to wash your hands, prior to eating food and after using the restroom. Even washing hands when they get home from school can help decrease the germs they bring home to the family.
2. Encourage no sharing of food or drinks with friends in school. Sharing bites of food or drink between friends is fun but spreads germs.. It is best not to share so we don’t get an unwanted illness.
3. Be courteous to others and keep your children home when they have a temperature greater than 100.5 F within 24 hours of the school day. A sick day is also in order if your child has had two or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of the school day because these bodily fluids cause the spread of the illness. Fever often indicates that contagion levels are higher and thus the spread of the illness to others is greater. Rashes in children can also be a reason to keep a child home from school, so if you are unsure of the potential of contagion from a rash it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider.
By following these guidelines, your family should stay healthier this coming school year.
Remember that while it is not fun when your children are mildly sick, it does some good as well and will help their bodies recognize and fight illness better in the future.
---------------------------------
Staci Scott has been a certified pediatric nurse practitioner since 2007. Her medical interests include asthma, cardiology, breastfeeding, and infant and child growth and development. A passion for individualize care and patient education led her to follow her dream and open Village Pediatrics in Gilman Village.
You're invited to stop by the Village Pediatrics Open House on Friday, August 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Meet Staci, enjoy appetizers and beverages, and receive a free gift.
www.villagepediatrics.biz
