Schools are breeding grounds for germs. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.  

“The main way illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person,” explains Debbie Leger, RN, BSN, CCRN, Community Health and Safe Kids Catawba County coordinator for Catawba Valley Medical Center.  “In schools, children are in close quarters for long periods of time, which often makes it easy for germs to spread rampantly.”
Addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to youth health, but teaching proper hygiene practices at home is just as important. Following are easy-to-learn germ-busting habits that parents can share with their children:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and throw away any tissues you use.
• Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing, after using the restroom, upon leaving “high-risk” places (i.e., pediatrician’s office, daycare centers, playgrounds and indoor play structures), upon arriving home, and before eating meals and snacks.
• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.

“Some viruses and bacteria can live up to two hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks,” explains Debbie.  “Handwashing is a habit every child should pick up.  It is one of the best ways to avoid the spread of germs and getting sick.”

For a demonstration of proper handwashing techniques, view Catawba Valley Medical Center’s free Handwashing podcast at www.catawbavalleymc.org.