4 tips for keeping kids healthy as they head back to school

As children head back to school, parents face another season of fighting cold and flu germs. In an average year, children catch six to 10 colds. In families with children who are in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

“The change in weather during back-to-school season is the ideal environment for cold- and flu-causing viruses to thrive,” says Lauren Feder, M.D., author of Natural Baby and Childcare (Hatherleigh Press. 2006). “And with crowded classrooms, your children are more likely to come in contact with germs that could get them sick. That’s why now is the best time to learn what you can do to reduce the chances of your family getting sick.”

Here are some must-know tips from Feder to combat illness as kids head back to school:

1. Humidity and hydration are a must
Dry nasal passages are more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. When humidity levels are low, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to kids’ bedrooms when sleeping and in other areas of the home. Drinking lots of fluids like water and juice is also a great way to stay healthy and hydrated.

2. Killing germs is easy
Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to two hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, playground equipment and desks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that cold and flu viruses can easily be killed with hand washing. Insist kids wash their hands with plain soap and water around the house and while at school.

3. Catch symptoms at the onset
To better chances of nipping symptoms in the bud, be prepared by updating your medicine cabinet with choices that address early symptoms. Also consider over-the-counter options beyond antihistamines, decongestants or cough suppressants since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have questioned the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for children. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo), a homeopathic flu medicine used around the world for 65 years, now offers children cough, cold and flu medicines. Children’s Coldcalm Pellets and Children’s Chestal cough syrup work safely and naturally without causing side effects or interacting with other medications. The sweet taste of the quick-dissolve pellets and honey-based syrup are kid-friendly and more appropriate for younger ages than most other drugs.

4. Pack some personals
It’s polite to share; it’s not polite to share germs. Smart parents will pack a few items like a small personal crayon pack, an individual mini pencil sharpener or mechanical pencils to reduce kids sharing germs. Packing a travel size hand sanitizer and pocket packet of tissue in their backpack is also a good way to combat illness while they are at school.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the common cold is the No. 1 reason why children miss school. The CDC estimates that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.

“Colds and the flu don’t only affect children, adults need to take days off to care for their kids and can get sick themselves,” says Feder. “That’s why these simple tips are important. They can help any family combat sickness so they can live their lives the way they want to.”