The beginning of the new school year brought us new matching Little Mermaid lunchbox and backpack, brand new sneakers, and a pile to shiny new writing supplies. But that’s not all…

Believe it or not, less than two full weeks into the new school year and we have already had a trip to the pediatrician for a viral infection. I was convinced Naufal just has a sinus infection, but the fever lasted exactly 4 nights, so the doctor assured me it was viral. He still sent me home with a prescription for an antibiotic in case the fever actually did pop back up.

Sometimes there is little you can do about your child becoming ill when they are first introduced to a new multi-child situation, like school or daycare. Of course, your child will develop a better and better immune system as the years go by. Babies first entering daycare and young ones going into preschool or kindergarten for the first time after only being home with caregivers and siblings are most susceptible. As kids get older and have in school longer, they become immune to more and recover quicker when thy do get sick.

Contagious illnesses are just a regular part of what happens when a lot of children get together in one place. And, those illnesses come home to have their way with the whole family! Both Naufal’s father and I also got whatever it was that Naufal brought home and gave to us.

Colds, stomach flus, ear infections, pink eye, and a general sore throat are the most common illnesses you child might come into contact with at school. Chicken pox, ringworm, head lice, impetigo, and even more severe illnesses like meningitis are also possibilities.

So, what can you do to prevent contagious diseases?

Number one, teach your child how to properly wash their hands and to know when they need to do so. It’s best to wash hands in liquid soap and water. If that is not readily available, though, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Make sure the hand sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol.

Despite recent fears, hand sanitizers are safe to use on small children, but they should be administered by teachers and parents. Do not allow a child to put the hand sanitizer in their mouth. These products should be regarded like any medicine or cleanser and kept out of the reach of children.

Know when to keep your child home when they are sick. Much of the problem with the spread of illnesses in schools is due to the fact that so many children attend while still contagious. If your child has nasal discharge that is colored, is running a fever, is acting listless, is coughing up phlegm, is vomiting, or has diarrhea — consider keeping them home or at least consult your pediatrician.

Naufal’s virus is over and done! I kept her home one additional day after her fever stopped, just to make sure she did not make any of the other children ill. In the scheme of things, it is hardly a blip on the calendar.

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