For many of us, the school year has just begun, and for others, it is just around the corner. As a result, we are seeing an increase in colds, viruses, and COVID-19 cases. Teachers, parents, and school officials are all looking for ways to keep germs from spreading in their classrooms daily during the upcoming school year.
While it is true that schools can be an incubator for the spread of different illnesses, it does not have to be this way. During the upcoming school year, we have set up a guide that will help keep illnesses at bay in the classroom and at home this year!
1. Sanitize, sanitize and sanitize again
As a child, you are taught that sharing is caring throughout the entire time that you are in grade school. There are a lot of things that can be shared, such as toys, and pencils, among other things.
In the process of sharing these items, it is also possible that you are sharing germs as well. Keeping frequently touched items in the classroom as clean and sanitized as possible is a super important part of keeping germs at bay (especially if you have younger kids in your classroom!).
It is also important to wipe down desks and chairs. A great gift for a teacher would be a pack of sanitizing wipes or sprays.
2. Wash your hands
It can be said that if there is one thing that is shared a lot in school, it would be snacks! We do not realize how many germs are left on our hands after touching playground equipment, door handles, and stairwells.
Therefore, we do not realize how quickly we could be passing around germs. The most important thing you can do for your health is to wash your hands as frequently as possible.
You should use soap and water if you have access to them. Hand sanitizer is the second best option that can be used.
3. If you are feeling sick, stay at home
If you are feeling unwell, the best thing that you can do to prevent the spread of viruses and colds is to stay at home. (And let’s be honest – no one wants to sit next to someone who is constantly sneezing and coughing.)
Therefore, if you start to feel under the weather, your best bet is to go to the doctor and follow their advice and protocols regarding how long you should stay at home.
It is very important to stay at home when you have a fever until it has gone down and you are feeling better. Talk to your child’s teacher to see what they can work on at home if you are concerned that your child might fall behind in school while they are recovering.
4. Cover your mouth when you cough
To stay healthy, it is important that you cover your mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. It is recommended by the CDC that you should always cough or sneeze into the elbow if you can.
If you find yourself coughing or sneezing in your hands (because it can be an awful habit to break) just make sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap as soon as you can.
5. Wash reusable water bottles
Did you know that reusable water bottles could be a breeding ground for germs? These bottles typically travel everywhere and collect and harvest bacteria.
A 2022 study revealed that a reusable water bottle can contain 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. (So gross.) Regularly washing reusable water bottles with warm soapy water after each use is essential to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria.
Try using a bottle brush to make it an easy process! Also, make sure to let the bottle dry completely to prevent the growth of new mold.
