Donita Robards, RN, Parish Nurse
Flu season will soon be upon us. Now that children are back in school, they will be congregating in contained spaces and playing with friends, which can lead to an increase in the spread of illnesses. Here are some steps you can take to protect your child and possibly other children as well.
Hand Washing 101
The most important action you can take to prevent the spread of disease among children is to teach them proper hand washing techniques, especially when they’re using public restrooms. Hand washing is still the most effective way to prevent infections.
- Teach children to assume that the faucet handles are contaminated by germs. Turn the water on using a paper towel so you don’t have to touch the handles.
- Get hands wet, soap up, work soap into a lather. Use friction to remove dirt, rubbing hands together, and washing around the cuticles and under fingernails.
- Rinse hands thoroughly with fingers pointed downward so the dirt will be carried away with the running water.
- Use paper towel to dry hands and another clean, dry paper towel to turn off the water. Touching the faucet handles after washing your hands reintroduces germs on your hands that can be spread to your eyes, nose and mouth.
- When it isn’t possible to wash your hands, use a good hand sanitizer.
Importance of Immunizations
It is also time to consider if your child(ren) will need immunizations this year. The immunization schedule changes constantly, so ask your child’s pediatrician if there are any new immunizations that your child might need. It is important to be aware of what immunizations are required and have a plan to get them done. Additionally, be aware of illnesses that are traveling through the schools at any given time. Talk to your child’s school administrator, school nurse, pediatrician or parish nurse about how to protect your child from disease. Have a great, healthy school year!