SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Hundreds of kids in close quarters means sickness will soon be on the way, but there are steps you can take to keep your kids healthy while still attending classes.
"You'll want to teach them to practice good hygiene like washing hand frequently," said Jennifer Withers, Director of Clinic and Medical Services at Sangamon County Health Department. "Teach them to cover their coughs, use hand sanitizer, and how important it is to not share drinking bottles with other kids."
Withers also recommends having kids wash their hands as soon as they get home from school to ensure those illnesses aren't entering the house.
Another way to help your kids stay healthy is staying up to date on seasonal vaccines. While certain vaccinations are required by state law, that doesn't include influenza or COVID.
"One of the key ones we think about right now is the COVID-19 vaccine and booster," said Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand, an Emergency Medicine Physician at OSF. "We're also ready to come into flu season, so think about getting your child or you the influenza vaccine."
If your kid does get sick, it's important to identify what they are sick with, and make sure they aren't too sick to attend school. Parents often struggle to determine if their child has COVID, the flu, a common cold, allergies, or something else.
Dr. Bloomstrand says if your child have a fever or chills, they likely have a viral illness. Withers says a good rule of thumb is if your child's symptoms have been improving for 24 hours and they are fever free without medicine for 24 hours, they are probably safe to return to school.
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