As summer winds down and a new semester begins, parents often brace themselves for the inevitable wave of germs that their kids bring home from school. The transition back into the classroom can be fraught with anxiety as children return to close quarters and share not only books and supplies, but also many infectious agents. The mix of internal events and students who may not have seen each other for months creates an environment ripe for the spread of diseases.
This period is of particular concern because children are known to be efficient carriers of bacteria, often without even realizing it. It is important for parents to equip themselves with knowledge and strategies to minimize the chance of illness affecting their families during this time.
We turn to an industry expert to shed some light on how to navigate this bacteria-filled season. Professor Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist at the University of Manchester, shares her views on the challenges of schooling bacteria and gives practical advice. “When you drop your kids off at school, you expect to see a lot of infections over the next few weeks,” she explains.
The change in environment plays a significant role when children return to their peers after a long break. “One of the biggest reasons people are starting to get sick now is because we’re all moving indoors. It’s much easier for inflammations to spread to multiple noses, throats and stomachs if we’re all together in a small indoor space,” he points out. This close contact, combined with the mixing of new students, increases the likelihood of infection spreading.
Professor Cruickshank offers several practical tips to help navigate this bacteria:
1. Stay up-to-date on vaccines: “Making sure your kids are up-to-date on vaccinations is the number one thing we can do to prevent disease. If there are vaccinations to prevent certain infections, that would be absolutely necessary.”
2. Practice good hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, encouraging your children to do the same. Instead of coughing into your hands, use your arm and remember that regular hand washing is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria.
3. Conduct mini-risk assessments: Before entering a crowded space, consider the environment. “This season, I always look at the space I’m going into and do a little risk assessment for it: how airy is it? How packed? How many air changes does it get? It helps me determine my risk.”
4. Vary your diet: A balanced diet is essential for a strong immune system. “There is a misconception that certain magical foods can ‘boost’ our immunity, but a poor diet has a negative effect on it.
5. Avoid excessive use of supplements: While vitamins are important, many can be obtained through a healthy diet. The professor says there is no conclusive evidence that we should be taking supplements, and cited people taking multivitamins who did no better than those who didn’t.
6. Prioritize rest: Quality sleep is vital for immune system function. You should set aside time to relax. Whether you spend five minutes meditating, enjoying your garden or dancing to your favorite music, find what helps you relax.
7. Stay active: Regular physical activity supports the immune system. Staying too inactive is not good for our immune system. Although it can be more challenging to stay active when the temperature drops, incorporating exercise into your day doesn’t require significant effort.
As the school year begins, following these tips can help keep families healthy and reduce the spread of illness during this vulnerable time.
