As children return to school from the summer holidays, they will undoubtedly be excited to see their friends and start new lessons. However, this time of year also brings the risk of coughs, colds and other illnesses that tend to spread quickly in schools. We spoke to our medical director and consultant paediatrician Justin Daniels about the steps you can take to help your child stay healthy and avoid the back-to-school sniffles this September.
Teaching your child to wash their hands regularly is one of the best ways to stop germs spreading – using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Hand sanitiser is ok when soap isn’t available.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains can help fuel and support your child’s immune system. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods, focusing on those high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from oranges or leafy greens.
Good sleep is also crucial for keeping the immune system strong. Primary school-aged children need around 9-12 hours of sleep each night. A regular bedtime can help your child get the rest needed to fend off infections.
Exercise boosts your child’s immune system and overall well-being. Encourage them to stay active during school breaks or after school, whether through organised sports or simply playing outdoors.
If you are a parent to young toddlers (1-3 years old) and have visited local soft plays and bus stops, you may have seen posters and infographics as part of Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB’s latest health campaign.
As your little ones head into reception, it’s a good idea to check whether they can say they fulfil these four key milestones:
- “I have all the vaccinations I need” – Make sure your child is up to date with all their vaccinations. This will protect them from serious illness like flu, measles and whooping cough.
- “I can go to the toilet on my own and wash my hands” – Going to the toilet independently is an important skill to learn before starting school. The NHS website has lots of useful advice on potty training and using the toilet instead of a potty.
- “When I cough or sneeze, I try to catch it in a tissue” – Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and then throwing it away before washing hands can help stop the spread of germs.
- “I brush my teeth twice a day” – Helping your child understand why it’s important to brush their teeth twice a day will encourage them to develop healthy habits.
The annual children’s flu vaccination is offered every year in autumn or early winter. It’s a quick nasal spray that protects them from the flu – which can be more serious than a common cold – but some children may be offered the injected flu vaccine, details of this can be found on the NHS website. Contact your GP or look out for school vaccination programmes to ensure your child is protected.
By following these tips, you can help your child start the school year healthy and strong.
