Back-to-School: Preparing for Seasonal Illness

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy schedules, and more time spent in classrooms, offices, carpools, and other shared spaces. It can also mean more opportunities for germs to make their way home. As we transition from summer into fall, a few simple habits can help you and your family prepare for seasonal illnesses.

Support Your Immune System

There is no single food, vitamin, or supplement that can prevent seasonal illness. Instead, focus on everyday habits that support your immune system.

Build meals around nutrient-dense foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and dairy or fortified alternatives. Staying hydrated is important, too, so keep water within reach throughout the day.

Don’t overlook sleep. Busy schedules can quickly push bedtime later, making the start of the school year a good time to reestablish consistent sleep and wake times for the entire household.

Make Germ Prevention Routine

Simple habits can make a meaningful difference. Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Encourage family members to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, and routinely clean frequently touched items such as phones, doorknobs, countertops, and shared devices.

Prepare Before Someone Gets Sick

A little preparation can make sick days less stressful. Check your supply of essentials such as tissues, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and medications your family regularly uses. Keep a few easy-to-prepare foods, soups, and hydrating beverages on hand for days when someone isn’t feeling their best.

This is also a good time to check with your primary care provider about recommended immunizations for you and your family.

Know When to Stay Home

If you’re sick, staying home and away from others can help prevent illness from spreading to classmates, coworkers, and family members. Pay attention to your symptoms, give yourself time to recover, and take extra precautions around people who may be at higher risk for severe illness.

Back-to-school season is busy enough without illness throwing the household off schedule. You can’t control every germ you encounter, but nutritious meals, adequate sleep, good hygiene, recommended immunizations, and a little preparation can help your household head into the season feeling ready.

Related to: 

• Lifestyle & Nutrition