Doctor Shares Tips for Protecting Kids From Back-to-School Sicknesses

It’s back-to-school season, and whether your little one is heading off to daycare, preschool or 1st grade, there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to. But amid the tiny backpacks, new friends and new things to learn, there are some unwanted additions in the form of germs. If you are dreading what feels like the inevitable back-to-school sickness that’s bound to take down your whole household, one doctor—and mom herself—is here to help.

In a now-viral TikTok, Dr. Jessica Kiss, also known affectionately as @askdrmom offers worried parents her best tips for helping their kids avoid back-to-school sicknesses from Covid-19 to the flu and colds.

Her number one tip? Teach good hand-washing habits. “You can’t be there to wash their hands at school, and you can’t rely on others to do it for them. The best thing you can do is train them at home,” Kiss advises. “Listen for the water running when they use the bathroom, make sure they wash properly, and reward them for doing it right. Consider a reward system—catch them washing well ten times, and they get a small prize. Read them books about germs to educate them at their level.”

Next on the list is teaching your child how to cough properly. “You want them ‘vampire coughing’ into their elbow, and encourage them to teach their friends to do the same,” Kiss explains. “For older kids, teach them to move away when someone nearby is coughing.”

Despite your best efforts, kids are bound to pick up germs throughout the day. That’s why Kiss also recommends a more frequent bathing schedule during the school year. “Bathe your kids a bit more often when they’re in elementary school to wash away those germs,” she suggests.

Good health isn’t just about habits, though. Kiss emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with “well-child” visits to the pediatrician. “These visits are crucial because your doctor can catch early signs of illness that could keep your child healthier longer. Make sure they’re up-to-date on vaccinations, which protect against illnesses they might otherwise contract.”

Finally, Kiss acknowledges that despite all precautions, kids will inevitably get sick. “Kids tend to catch three to five colds a year in elementary school as their immune systems learn to recognize viruses. Even with mutations, their bodies start to recognize some of the virus,” she says. “The challenge for parents is accepting that kids won’t always be okay, and that’s tough.”

Beyond colds and the flu, the back-to-school season can also bring anxiety, especially for first-time school drop-offs. Check out this simple refrain to help you and your little one stay calm during those anxious moments.