Hospital Offers Health Hacks To Beat Common Back-To-School Germs

TEANECK, NJ — Children are eight to 12 times more likely to get sick when they head back to school this fall, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Holy Name Medical Center's chief of infectious diseases says that parents and school staff need proactively prevent their children from being exposed to keeping colds, stomach viruses and other common contagions at bay.

“This is about being proactive and having a general awareness about what to watch for,” said Dr. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name. “Whether it’s combating the common cold, flu prevention, or steering clear of head lice, there are few simple, everyday things students can do at school and at home to help keep their classmates and families healthy.”

• Wash your hands: The Food & Drug Administration says that either antibacterial or regular soap will work fine at protecting against cold and flu viruses.
• Disinfection: Cleaning and disinfecting desks, school supplies, cafeteria trays and water fountains are among the germiest things in schools. Bringing a water bottle or using school supplies from home will help contain the spread of unwanted germs.
• Protect against lice: Sharing sports helmets, hats, combs and group selfies should be avoided to prevent the spread of head lice.

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