My hands are red and raw from all the handwashing I’ve been doing. The winter “bugs” are officially here, and this month, they’re aggressive. With three kids in the house, avoiding every single germ is impossible, so our best strategy is simple: containment.
This week, we lost our second soldier, Lyla went down. Out came the box of masks, a fresh can of Lysol, and a new container of wipes. I set her up in her room with the movie projector, a “puke bucket,” a bottle of water, a Stanley full of Pedialyte pops, and a box of tissues. Then, I shut the door and took my post on the couch in the far corner of her room, bracing for impact.
Now, I’m in the dreaded 48-hour waiting period, analyzing every weird stomach feeling and wondering if it’s normal or a sign of what’s to come. So far, so good (knock on wood).
When Should You Keep Your Child Home?
It’s always a tough call, do we send them to school or keep them home? What’s just a sniffle, and what’s a warning sign? Here are some simple guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Fever: If your child has had a fever above 100°F within the past 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication), keep them home.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Any episodes within the past 24 hours? They need a day at home.
- Overall Wellness: Even if the fever is gone or the projectile phase has ended, they should stay home if they:
- Can’t stay awake or focus in class
- Can’t swallow because their throat hurts too much
- Can’t move comfortably because their body aches too badly
How to Stop the Spread
Let’s be real: kids are not the most sanitary creatures. But with a little reinforcement, we can help them avoid becoming germ super-spreaders. Here are some key habits to remind them about:
- Wash hands often: Handwashing beats hand sanitizer; soap and water are best!
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow: Not into your hands. Not into the air. Not over your shoulder.
- No sharing: Food, chapstick, water bottles; just don’t do it.
- Keep hands away from faces: No nose picking, no mouth touching, no eye rubbing.
How to Be a Germ Fighter
We can’t put them in a bubble, but we can give their bodies the best chance to fight off whatever is going around.
- Prioritize sleep: Early bedtimes are a must during bug season.
- Eat nutritious meals: Load up on vitamins and minerals to help their immune systems stay strong.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Healthy mouths mean healthier bodies.
- Encourage physical activity: Exercise helps keep the immune system in top shape.
Let’s be honest, we’re probably smack in the middle of peak winter illness season. If you’ve dodged the germs so far, keep up the good work! For the rest of us, our immune systems are working overtime, and now is the time to double down on good habits.
Maybe, with a little teamwork, we can shorten this season and make sure everyone is healthy when those first warm days finally arrive!
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