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From the moment they can move on their own, children are taking risks. As parents, we become experts at anticipating their next move, whether it be jumping off a counter top or reaching for a hot pan.

But what about the dangers we can’t see?

With the start of the new school year, your child will be exposed to a whole host of unfamiliar germs. Most of these germs will help to build your child’s immune system through exposure, but some others may lead to more serious diseases. Keep reading to learn more about germs, the spread of disease and what you can do to prevent your child from catching some of these illnesses.

Wash your hands
As all parents can attest, getting your child to keep up with basic hygiene can be a struggle. It’s crucial to teach children early on how important washing hands is in the prevention of disease. The CDC recommends that children wash their hands regularly when well and often when sick. Run your hands under warm water with soap and lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off. We suggest setting up a reward system, like a chart with stickers, building to a certain goal.

Get vaccinated
The prevention of disease begins with protecting ourselves. Since their inception, immunizations have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and eradicated numerous diseases from many countries. Vaccines don’t just protect your child from disease, they also protect all other children your child may come into contact with and infants too young to be vaccinated.

Additionally, the less days they’re home sick, means the more days they’re in school, learning important social skills and building their knowledge.

Visit here to find a physician or clinic that distributes vaccines or here to learn more about the benefits of immunizations.

Cover your cough 
Diseases, like flu, are spread most commonly through the air after someone coughs or sneezes. Remind your child to cover their mouth when they cough with a tissue. Visit here for more information on covering your cough.

Stay home
If your little one does catch something, it’s in their best interest, and the best interests of their classmates, to stay home. This ensures your child recovers as quickly as possible and doesn’t spread germs to other children.

As tempting as it may be to give in to their earnest pleas to attend a birthday party or soccer game, keeping them home while they heal ensures they’re back to all the activities they love faster and safer.

Fuel your body nutritiously 
Protect your child from disease by fortifying their immune systems with nutritious foods. We’ve listed some foods that are packed full of disease-fighting vitamins.

• • Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit
  • Ginger
  • Honey, which is a natural antiseptic
  • Garlic
  • Dark, leafy greens

If your child is a picky eater, trying making a smoothie or juice with some of these foods and subtler flavors, like apple or grape juice.

We can’t protect our children from everything, but we can help them to learn habits that will protect their health. For more information about preventing the spread of germs and disease, visit the CDC’s guide on their webpage.

From our team to your family, Victoria ER wishes you and your loved ones a great start to the new school year. Let us know any tips you have for getting your child to practice some of these disease-fighting tricks!

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on our trusted brand to deliver the emergency care you deserve at any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.