'I'm a doctor - these are 5 most common back to school illnesses and how to treat them'
As children go back to school following the summer holidays, it's highly likely that they may bring home an illness in the coming weeks. In fact, in preparation of their little ones going back, people are searching 'how do kids catch colds?' with it surging by 900 percent over the past month, indicating parents are bracing themselves for the inevitable.
Dr John Burke who acts as a Chief Medical Officer and Director of Medical Policy for AXA Health - as well as being a GP - says that there is a reason kids always seem to bring home some sort of illness saying: "Children are extremely susceptible to illnesses, such as colds and flu. Children’s immune systems are not as mature as adults making them more likely to pick up viruses when returning to school."
Whether it’s a common cold, stomach bug or the flu, seeing your little ones unwell is never pleasant so in a bid to help, Dr Burke has compiled a list of the most common illnesses children catch when returning to school, as well as sharing his expert advice on how you can prevent and treat illnesses when they enter your home.
Symptoms of the five most common back-to-school illnesses
What can I do to keep my child from getting ill at school?
1. Practice good hygiene
Teaching children to cover their mouth and noses with a tissue when coughing and sneezing can minimise the spread of airborne viruses. They should also be urged to thoroughly wash their hands with warm water and soap as many viruses spread through close contact and live on surfaces doing this can reduce the chance of viruses entering the body.
2. Keep up to date with vaccinations
It's crucial to keep your child's vaccinations current, as they can reduce the likelihood of viral infections by preparing their bodies with the necessary antibodies to combat the virus. The expert says: "Flu vaccines are available to all children of school age, so you should receive an invitation from either your GP surgery (for preschool-aged children) or their school (for primary school-aged children) regarding booking your child’s vaccine.”
3. Avoid further spreading viruses
“For illnesses such as chicken pox, which is extremely contagious, keep your child at home until the symptoms have subsided and the rash is no longer present on their body to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus", says Dr Burke.
Should your school inform you that your child has been exposed to a virus through another student, it's advised to keep your child at home for 24 hours. However, if your child only has a common cold and feels well enough, they can return to school. He cautions: "With illnesses such as norovirus and chicken pox, your child will need to remain off school until the symptoms have passed”
4. Embrace fresh air
The health expert says that it's true what they say, fresh air can make the difference. He explains: “Fresh air can help build immunity within children as being outdoors and exposed to nature has been shown to improve some of the ways our immune system works. Ventilating your home with fresh air, as well as spending time outside, can help to protect us against infectious illnesses or reduce the severity of these illnesses.”
5. Maintain a healthy balanced diet
Talking about their diets, the doctor says: “Ensuring that your child is eating a healthy and balanced diet can minimise the chances of them getting unwell when returning to school. This will not only help your child’s development but also ensure your child receives the proper nutrients to strengthen their immunity and reduce the risk of them becoming unwell with viruses and infections. Your child should be eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and dairy (or dairy alternatives).“
How to relieve your child's symptoms
Dr John Burke explains: "When your child is unwell with a virus such as the common cold or flu, allowing them time to rest enables their body to not only focus on fighting the virus but also to recover. When children become unwell, there is an increased risk of dehydration, especially with symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. Therefore, maintaining your child’s fluid levels is crucial when they are unwell. If your child is struggling to drink clear fluids such as water, consider ice lollies or try other drinks or food they may be willing to try. These can help boost their hydration levels.
Pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be administered to your child if their symptoms are upsetting to them. Always follow the dosage instructions for your child as per the packet."
He suggests that if your child is sick, you should keep the meals you feed them bland to avoid upsetting their stomach. "However, food is important so the priority is for them to eat or drink whatever they like to keep their energy levels up. If your child is struggling to keep their food down, try small amounts of easily digestible foods such as toast, crackers and apple sauce", he warns.
The doctor concludes: "Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid colds and viruses as they’re so prevalent in schools and nurseries. As children are more susceptible to bringing illnesses home as we head back to school, practising good hygiene and giving children the right routines can give them (and the family) the best chance of avoiding picking things up.”