Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
“School makes me sick!”
This could be a common kid-centric complaint, especially for those heading back to school after the sun and fun of summer. And they’re not entirely wrong.
While your child’s classroom will always be a pivotal source of learning and growth, it can unfortunately be a breeding ground for germs. Shared spaces and close contact among students allow disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, more opportunities to spread from one person to the next.
Bacteria and viruses can live for more than two days on many surfaces. A study by the National Sanitation Foundation revealed more aerobic bacteria per square inch was found on an elementary classroom water fountain spigot than was detected on a toilet seat.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22 million school days are lost each year thanks to the common cold, and approximately 38 million school days are lost due to influenza.
However, with some solid direction, parents have the opportunity to help bring those numbers down.
Reinforcing healthy habits at home allows kids to play a part in keeping themselves and their classmates as well as possible throughout the school year. From instilling sanitary practices and encouraging healthy measures to staying on top of vaccinations, parents can guide their children toward a more healthier tomorrow.
Germs spread much more easily when kids touch their mouths, eyes, and noses with unclean hands. The first line of defense is proper handwashing. It’s key to wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after touching shared surfaces, and after coughing or sneezing.
A child should be aware of the importance of washing their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. That happens to be the same amount of time it takes to sing the traditional “Happy Birthday” song twice, a time-honored technique some parents share with their kids. Handwashing should include cleaning between fingers, the backs of hands, and under fingernails.
When soap and water aren’t available, the CDC suggests using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. While hand sanitizer kills germs on the skin, it’s not able to get rid of all types of germs. This makes washing hands with soap and water the preferred solution in most scenarios.
Passing along respiratory etiquette teaches children to be conscientious and responsible for the potential spread of germs. In addition to encouraging kids to avoid touching their nose, eyes, and mouth, parents can show children how to sneeze and cough properly. Sneezing or coughing into a tissue and disposing of it is preferable. However, kids can do what some call the “vampire cough” and cough or sneeze into their elbow. Either way, they should wash their hands immediately thereafter.
A balanced diet of whole foods featuring vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats boosts immune system health in children. When it comes to hydration, which promotes overall health, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends children drink five to 11 cups of water each day, depending on age and gender.
Adequate sleep bolsters our immune systems by supporting the production of immune cells to fight infection and inflammation. Studies show that people who don’t experience the right quality or quantity of sleep are more likely to get sick after virus exposure. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends the daily amount of sleep for children by age. The range spans 12 to 16 hours for infants ages 1 and younger, all the way up to 8 to 10 hours for teens ages 13 to 18 years old.
Physical activity strengthens our immune system by improving circulation. It allows immune cells to travel more freely throughout the body to more locations where viruses and bacteria can be identified. According to the CDC, kids ages 3 to 5 should remain active throughout the day. Children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years old should engage in one hour or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day.
As soon as your child is old enough to understand, create a dialogue that allows them to share how they feel physically. Give them the opportunity and ability to let you know if they have symptoms such as a sore throat, chills, headache, or fatigue. When your child explains they’re not feeling well, always check for a fever. If they show any signs of illness, always lean toward the side of caution and keep them home from school and other interactions with others to prevent the possible spread of illness. Consult a medical professional immediately.
To avoid preventable diseases, keep tabs on your child’s recommended vaccinations, including annual flu shots. SouthCoast Health has a recommended, detailed vaccination guide organized by age for children from birth to 18 years old. This includes crucial vaccines and boosters kids should receive before starting school. Regular well-child visits at SouthCoast Health are the perfect opportunity for parents to stay updated regarding their child’s immunizations.
While the previous information is a great place to start, SouthCoast Health Pediatrics is here to answer any questions and provide tailored guidance for your child to remain as healthy as possible throughout the year, in and out of the classroom.
If you’re looking for the right pediatrician for your child, consider SouthCoast Health’s roster of providers and schedule an appointment online.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 17 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
