School’s in, and so are the germs
Print
With school back in session, children are often bringing home more than their homework — they are carrying germs as well.
To prevent the spread of colds and flu, parents should encourage children to use hand hy- giene by covering their nose and mouth with the crook of their arm while coughing or sneezing, and to wash their hands if needed.
Pam Harazim, nurse epidemiologist at Backus Hospital, said parents may want to provide a hand sanitizer for children to keep with them to use after coughing or blowing their nose, or touching surfaces at school.
She said droplets from sneezing or coughing can spread germs in a 3-foot radius.
“Kids are always in close quarters, so it might be wise to have hand sanitizer available,” she said. If they do sneeze into their hands and there is saliva or phlegm, they should wash with soap and water for at least 10-15 seconds.
Parents also should keep their kids home if they have a fever, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea to prevent the spread of illness, Ms. Harazim recommended.
Due to safety concerns of inappropriate dosing with over-the-counter cold medicines, she said parents should speak to their pediatricians before administering cold medicine. Rest and fluids are great for colds and flu, and fever reducers may be used.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older this year. The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N1 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. Most people will only need one shot this year, except for children who may not have been vaccinated last year.
Most adults can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body.
Flu vaccinations will be available at the Backus health centers and pediatricians’ offices, usually starting in October. Ms. Harazim said parents should check with their pediatrician to make sure all their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.