Other school health tips

Common sense can go a long way toward staying healthy in school. In addition to frequent hand-washing, encourage your child to:

• Use hand sanitizer. Give your child alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when hand-washing isn't possible.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue — then toss it. If it isn't possible to reach a tissue in time, remind your child to cough or sneeze into the crook of his or her arm.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Remind your child that germs spread this way.
• Steer clear of colds. When possible, help or encourage your child to avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.

Of course, it's also important for your child to stay current on his or her vaccinations — including a yearly flu vaccine. To prevent spreading illness at home, use the same tips for the entire family.