Back to school is an exciting time of the year that many families look forward to. However, many parents find their kids bringing home colds and flus along with their homework, especially at the beginning of the new school year. Health 360 caught up with Joseph Smith, MD, pediatrician and owner of Premier Pediatrics in Brighton, Colorado to find out how you and your kids can stay healthy this fall.

Checkups and Immunization

One of the easiest ways you can prevent the spread of viruses in a class is to make sure your child has their annual checkup with their primary care provider before school starts. These visits will make sure your child is healthy physically and mentally and can detect illnesses and conditions early.

Your pediatrician may also administer their yearly vaccinations. Pediatricians follow a safe and effective guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control to make sure your child is protected from viruses. This timeline is set by research that is constantly evolving as diseases and our knowledge about them continues to grow. The current timeline is:

• Age 9: First dose of HPV is given
• Age 10: Second dose of HPV is given along with tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal meningitis A, C, W, Y
• Age 16: Second dose of meningococcal meningitis A, C, W, Y and first dose of meningococcal meningitis type B
• Age 17: second dose of meningococcal meningitis type B

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are also recommended every year to keep your child's protection against them up to date with the latest variants.

Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Prevention and Hygiene Etiquette

COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Influenza are all viruses we will likely have to deal with forever. These viruses peak December-March but could start as early as September and go through May. COVID is present year-round. Kids with chronic illnesses such as asthma may experience worse symptoms than their peers; however, Dr. Smith notes that COVID is presenting milder symptoms this season.

“COVID is on the rise again in our communities," Dr. Smith said. "Fortunately, however, the current strain of COVID produces milder cold symptoms and is not causing the severe respiratory disease and hospitalizations that the native COVID caused in 2020."

Vaccination against COVID-19 and the flu are vital for keeping your kids safe. But good hygiene practices at home and school are the keys to preventing any virus your kids may encounter. Encouraging kids to follow these simple rules is the best line of defense against colds and flus year-round.

“Examples of simple rules include singing the alphabet song in your mind while you wash your hands. The time it takes to get to the letter “z” is about the right amount of time to spend washing,” said Dr. Smith.

Other practices may include:

• Wiping down surfaces frequently with antibacterial spray or wipes.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• Avoiding the sharing of water bottles, lip balms, face masks, or utensils to avoid cross-contamination
• Never touching your face or eating before washing your hands

If your child contracts COVID, RSV, or the flu, keep them at home until symptoms subside and talk with your child’s pediatrician about the next steps.

General Health and Wellness

A healthy immune system starts with a healthy body. Making sure your children are staying active, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep are the building blocks to making sure your child is happy and healthy this school year.

“Keeping our bodies moving has been shown to have long-term physical and mental health benefits. Healthy eating can likewise have long-term physical and mental health benefits,” Dr. Smith said.

• Healthy Diet: There are many great resources to help with healthy eating choices that are easy to carry out in the home. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports not only your child’s immune system, but every aspect of their wellbeing.
• Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity to boost physical and mental health in your kids. Activities such as sports, playing outside, or family walks and bike rides can help your kids stay active.
• Adequate Sleep: Sleep plays a vital role in both growth and immune function. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure your children get enough sleep for their age group.
• Mental Health: The transition back to school can be stressful or upsetting for many kids. Be sure to maintain open communication and provide support when needed to help your child’s mental well-being.
• Hydration: Ensure your child is hydrated. Water should be had throughout the day, especially during physical activity. Try sending your kids to school with a water bottle to ensure daily hydration needs are met.

“Look at each new year as an opportunity to do great things," Dr. Smith said. Stay on top of things (don’t procrastinate) and this will give more time for enjoyment and less time for stress. Balance work with fun. Be active. Eat well. Get help when needed. Communicate needs. Advocate for yourself!

Communication is Key

Dr. Smith says one of the biggest threats children’s health faces today is misinformation. In today’s world, many children are exposed to misinformation from lots of different sources about many health-related topics. Maintain an open dialogue with your children and encourage them to think critically. Make sure you and your children are consulting credible sources such as The World Health Organization, the CDC, local health officials, and their primary care provider when making healthy decisions.

“Communication about life-decisions is critical in today’s world," Dr. Smith said. Families that discuss head-on the challenges that will face a youth while at school and work will be able to help the youth to think through that challenge so that they are more likely to make a good and healthy choice.