POPSUGAR UK

10 Things Teachers Want You to Know About Flu Prevention in Schools

16/08/2018 - 04:45 PM

If there's anyone you should take tips from to avoid getting the flu [1], it's teachers. Surrounded by children all day, it's a wonder that teachers' benefits packages don't come with 50+ sick days. Kids are notorious for spreading germs [2], thanks to their grubby nature, playful spirit [3], and that they're still learning how to keep their bodies to themselves [4]. And in my seven years as a teacher, not once did I catch the flu [5]. While I would like to congratulate myself on having superb genetics, chances are it has far more to do with the fact that I followed these steps to keep myself healthy. While every classroom is different, these 10 rules will help prevent your child from getting the flu [6] this school year.

Don't Send Your Sick Kid to School

This should go without saying, but it has to be repeated: do not send your kid to school when they are sick [8]. It endangers others, makes them have a hard day, and makes it really difficult to teach someone who is under the weather.

Get a Flu Shot

Sure, the flu shot isn't perfect, but it at least minimizes their risk of getting the flu [9]. Something is better than nothing.

Encourage Them to Use Tissues

Rather than, you know, wiping their snotty noses on their sleeves, or worse, their backpacks (I've witnessed this happen more times that I care to admit), make sure they always have tissues on-hand.

Wash Their Hands Frequently

Children are wonderful, grubby little things, and they need to be reminded to wash their hands often with soap and warm water.

Teach Them to Sneeze Into Their Elbows

Who knew the whole dabbing trend [10] was actually useful? Dab those sneezes, instead of cupping them into your hands. This will prevent those germs from spreading when they touch things like door handles and other surfaces.

Pack Them Water

Water fountains may get cleaned frequently, but since no one is monitoring them, they can become a cesspool of germs, especially when kids put their mouths all over the tap. Give your kid a water bottle to carry throughout the day to save them from unwanted saliva.

Sleep Does a Body Good

It's totally reasonable for the teacher to be strung out and knee-deep in coffee, but children need all the sleep they can get. Besides making them better students, sleep also helps prevent them from getting sick. Enforce those bedtimes, and even encourage them to hit the hay earlier if they're feeling sick.

Hand Sanitizer Is Great, but it Doesn't Replace Soap

Pumping hand sanitizer throughout the day doesn't replace regular hand washing. Only in combination with washing with soap has it been found to be really effective [11].

Teach Kids Personal Boundaries

Kids are affectionate creatures, and that's wonderful, but they should learn to not touch their face or get overly clingy with others, especially during cold and flu season.

Understand Your School's Sick Policy

Each school has a unique policy that will give you guidance on sick-day procedures and make-up assignments. Read them carefully and follow accordingly.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/parenting/Things-Teachers-Want-You-Know-About-Cold-Flu-Season-45171357