Fighting off germs

Although germs (viruses and bacteria) are the same year-round, illnesses always seem more prominent once school starts. One of the reasons is the number of children and germs in a confined space. I have a few suggestions that just might help ward off some of those germs/illnesses.

1. Wash hands frequently. Using soap and water, you should scrub and suds for 30 seconds. Make sure it is done before eating, after going to the bathroom, after playing outside, and first thing when he/she gets home from school. If soap and water is hard to come by, pack an alcohol based hand sanitizer into his/her backpack and lunch box.

2. Do not eat or drink after others.

3. Cover you mouth when you cough or sneeze. Afterward, wash your hands. Some suggest coughing into your sleeve or elbow, however the germs are still on the shirt or skin. This does limit the spread if you can’t wash right away.

4. Keep hands away from face. This is a good reason and time to break the nail biting or chewing on pencils habit. We can’t always wash our hands after touching a pencil or a desk or holding a friends’ hand.

5. Drink plenty of water. This is a good idea for everyone but especially for the football players or others participating in outdoor sports.

6. Get plenty of rest.

7. Eat balanced meals.

8. Exercise regularly.

9. Plan for a flu vaccine. Our supplies should be here in October.

10. Take your Maintenance Medications. If your child has asthma or allergies, make sure he/she is taking his/her maintenance medications. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about them.

Everyone is going to get sick at one time or another. Hopefully, these tips will keep it to a minimum. Have a wonderful school year.

— Tereasa A. Ballay, M.D.
ABC Pediatrics