Seasonal Flu Resource Center Blog
Back to School: Keeping Your Kids Healthy
It’s back to school time again, where every fall, kids return to or start school for the first time. This marks a time in a child’s life to meet new friends and teachers, and experience new and exciting life events.
With all the excitement and anticipation of starting a new school year comes the increased exposure to germs and illnesses, including influenza. This not only affects children, faculty, and staff, but it can also affect the overall educational experience.
In fact, 38 million school days are lost each year due to the flu.[1] Children can be sick with the flu for a week or more, which may cause them to miss school, have a negative impact on their education, and even lower the average daily attendance of a school.
So what’s the best defense against the flu this fall? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the single best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine every year. In fact, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot. Maxim Health Systems offers thousands of flu clinics across the country each and every year; search for a clinic in your area today- you don’t want to miss the opportunity to get both yourself and your children vaccinated this year (Maxim’s flu clinic locator provides clinic locations that serve ages 4 and older – contact us with questions about where to receive a flu shot for children 6 months to 4 years).
In addition to the flu vaccine, there are other ways to protect your child from the flu as they head back to school this year, including:
- Explain how the flu is spread and where they can catch the flu
- Teach your children to wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds or more
- Share with your child how to sneeze and cough into the crux of their elbow to help keep germs off of their hands
- Let them know that it is important to talk to you when they are feeling ill to help keep everyone healthy
Check out our blog from earlier this month that highlights more helpful tips for protecting your child from the flu.
You can also read our updated flu report for regional and national news/trends regarding the flu this season.
Going back to school is an exciting time in both a child’s and parent’s life. Here’s to a happy and healthy school year!
[1] National Center for Health Statistics
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