Kids Are Back to School, and So Are Germs: 5 Ways to Keep Your Health Optimal in Washington, DC

As summer vacation comes to a close, schools and classes are reopening to welcome a new school year. It's an exciting time for students as they meet new people, reconnect with school friends, and discover new interests. For parents, it’s the perfect moment to gear up for the new school year before settling back into their usual routines.

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Aside from preparing new school supplies, new books, and new clothes - there’s another necessity parents must prepare for: their children’s health.

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As the new school year starts, there is a new uninvited guest in each classroom: germs. Germs spread fast - what more for unsuspecting children? This is why it is necessary for parents to take proactive steps in keeping germs away and keeping their children safe as they go back to school.

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The “Trifecta of Viruses” That Hit the D.C. Region Hard

Earlier this year, a “trifecta of viruses” - COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - hit the D.C. region hard. This caused a strain on the local healthcare system and worried health officials.

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A variety of factors caused the sudden rise in the spread of the viruses. The holidays were pinpointed as more people came into contact with each other. Residents have also been more lax in safety measures, causing an increase in the number of people infected with the three viruses.

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What it means to parents and students today

While we are way past the spike in the number of infections brought about by the “trifecta of viruses”, we shouldn’t relax too much, especially with kids swarming back to school.

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When your child is in a classroom with other children, germs and viruses are bound to be passed around, especially if they don’t know this means for their health.

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Schoolchildren are particularly susceptible to viruses that can cause influenza and respiratory illnesses. Because children are mostly unaware of viruses and germs and their dangers, they are much more at risk of getting an infection and passing it to others in the school and their homes.

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5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Healthy for School

Contracting viruses that lead to illness and hospitalization majorly impact children’s health. The start of the new school year also means the beginning of “virus and germ-spreading” season. Here are 5 ways you can keep your kids safe as they go back to school:

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1. Encourage frequent handwashing

A simple yet powerful way to eliminate germs and prevent their spread is through regular and thorough handwashing.

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Instill in your kids the practice of regularly washing their hands, even when they are at school. Children should wash their hands before and after meals, after playing, and after using the bathroom. Encourage them to sing "Happy Birthday" twice while washing—that’s the perfect amount of time for effective handwashing.

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Also, teach them to always cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing—either with a tissue or into the crook of their elbow, but never with their hands. Be sure they wash their hands afterward too!

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2. Keep vaccinations up to date

Before the new school year starts, keep your kids’ vaccinations up to date. Seasonal flu vaccine, influenza vaccine, and COVID vaccines should be your basics. This will ensure that they are protected should there be another spike in respiratory viruses again.

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You might also want to consider getting an allergy test for them. This will let you know if there are certain allergens your child should avoid and depending on the results, the physician may prescribe allergy medications to stay on top of the allergies.

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3. Don’t share personal items

COVID, influenza, and RSV all spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of someone infected.

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Teach your kids to never share personal items like water bottles and utensils. They should also avoid touching things like toys that come in contact with someone else’s mouth. This might be difficult to instill in young children but it is necessary.

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When you buy your kids items for personal use, label those items and teach them to never lend them to anyone else.

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4. Boost immunity with a proper diet and enough sleep

A strong immunity is your kid’s number one defense against germs and viruses.

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Help boost their immunity by making sure they get enough sleep every night. According to the American Academy of Sleep, children 3 to 5 years old need 10 to 13 hours of sleep. Six to 12-year-old children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep while 13 to 18-year-old teens need 8 to 10 hours.

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Put your kids on a healthy diet of proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables to give them the nutrients their bodies need to fight off viruses.

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5. Know the symptoms of COVID, influenza, and RSV

Lastly, know the symptoms of the “trifecta of viruses” so you can spot them immediately.

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Here are common COVID symptoms:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

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Influenza symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Chills
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea or vomiting (usually in kids)

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RSV symptoms:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Mild headache
• Unable to eat or drink well

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It might be hard to differentiate between symptoms so a visit with your family physician might be best.

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Conclusion: Keep Your Kids Healthy in School

Buying new school supplies, books, and clothes isn’t the only thing on your to-do list this back-to-school season. It is also your top priority to get your kids in optimal health.

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No one wants to see another surge of the “trifecta of viruses,” especially with our kids interacting closely with so many people. That’s why teaching them how to protect themselves from germs, bacteria, and viruses is essential.