While shopping for supplies and fall clothes are often top priorities for families this time of year, students should also be equipped with tools to combat the spread of viruses and potential diseases.
Check out a few preventative measures to offer students the best line of defense against any illnesses this school year.
Hand Hygiene
Keeping hands clean by washing them and using hand sanitizer is one of the most critical methods to prevent the transmission of infectious bacteria and pathogens.
While washing hands well with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (or humming the birthday song) is ideal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and using hand sanitizer when hand-washing is unavailable is also a good tool, combining the two can be great to keep healthy.
Studies have shown that students who utilize hand sanitizer after washing their hands with soap and water show lower risk of absenteeism due to gastroenteritis in comparison to those students who followed the standard handwashing procedure, according to the CDC report “Prevention and Control of Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Infections in Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) Schools.”
Respiratory Etiquette: Covering Your Mouth and Nose
While children are in close spaces within their classrooms, it is important they cover their noses and mouths while sneezing or coughing.
The CDC recommends using a tissue to cover one’s mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
Further, students should not remain in the classroom and visit a staff nurse if the symptoms persist.
