A single sick student can spread germs to dozens of classmates within hours. It’s important to be neither the student spreading the germs nor the student who is receiving the germs. Many children are currently getting sick from going back to school. This is happening due to exposure to new germs in crowded environments, combined with having temporarily weakened immune systems from changes in routine.
There are many ways students get diseases from school. They can be in close contact with others, touch contaminated surfaces, or share items, particularly food or drinks. During these interactions, students are often unaware that they are doing something that is causing them to get another illness. Some common contagious diseases students get are the common cold, flu, strep throat and COVID.
A major way students can try to avoid getting sick at school is by keeping good hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, sanitize desks or other furniture, avoid sharing drinks or food, avoid touching your face and avoid close contact.
Another effective way to prevent an illness is to get a vaccine. According to Kelly Swain, Pediatric Critical Care Nurse Practitioner at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, preventing certain illnesses can also prevent them from developing into more serious problems. “Everyone should get their flu shot. It’s so important, and I’ve seen kids get myocarditis as a result of flu infection, which sometimes leads to needing to be on a heart-lung machine and a heart transplant, as well as invasive lung infections that require being on a breathing machine.”
Although it is often overlooked, a great method of fighting against illness is to develop a strong immune system. Students can eat a well-balanced diet, get good sleep and exercise regularly. This ensures that the immune system will have enough energy to fight off diseases and maintain a healthy, resilient body.
It is also very important to value the health of other students at school. One thing students can do to help everyone is to stay at home when they are sick or show symptoms of sickness. Nurse Practitioner Swain recommends, “If they have a fever, I would recommend a day off and not to return to school until fever-free without the use of medication for 24 hours. If they have just general overall fatigue and tiredness, it is probably better for them to stay home so they can rest, as they will not be able to focus as well in class and they may be at the beginning of an illness that they would otherwise be spreading to students.”
Illness doesn’t just mean a runny nose; it means missed lessons, late assignments and falling behind. This is why it’s important to look out for students and other people in school. If people have a basic understanding of how to stay healthy and safe in schools, students don’t have to constantly worry about being sick and can just focus on education and learning.
