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Battle of the Bugs:
How to Keep Your Kids Germ-Free
by Dr. Tara Kompare,
Pharm.D.
The Medicine Mom
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My oldest daughter is
starting kindergarten this year. With a smile on my face I will help her
onto the bus and, the moment she turns her back to me, I will cry like a
baby.
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Now this crying will not be without warrant. Besides worrying about the big kids
bossing her around, I am also quite paranoid of microscopic troublemakers that
may be hiding out.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa constitute the world of germs and they
love to take residence in schools. They can be found on food, tables, doorknobs,
and on lots of little hands. In order to help minimize the sick days our
children have to take this year, have them follow these simple rules:
Rule #1: Wash those hands! : One of the most important pieces of advice
you can send your child away with this year is: “Remember to wash your hands!”
It is best to use warm soap and water and scrub hands thoroughly for at least 20
seconds (or the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
Rule #2: No Sharing: When it comes to personal items such as hairbrushes,
combs, and drinks, this is one time when sharing is not caring.
Rule #3: Cover Up: I learned some wise advice from my girls’ pre-school
teacher, Miss Sally: “Never cough or sneeze into your hands since you touch
everything with them afterwards. Instead, cover your mouth with the crook of
your arm.” Of course, the best option would be covering up your mouth with a
tissue or hankie but what are the odds of that happening in school every time a
kid coughs or sneezes?
Rule#4: Get immunized: It is important to keep your children up-to-date
on their immunizations. And, don’t forget to ask about the flu vaccine, which is
now available as a child-friendly nasal spray.
Rule #5: Stay Home: If your child appears sick, try to keep them home.
This is a lot easier said than done sometimes especially if you are the head
honcho at work. You would think more companies would offer a “sick” day care
center. Maybe one day…
Rule #6: Help Prevent Resistance: Believe it or not, antibiotics do not
cure the most popular bugs that cause our children to miss school. The common
cold and the flu are both caused by viruses and are not treatable with
prescription antibiotics. Over-prescribing of antibiotics can lead to drug
resistance and the emergence of hard to treat “superbugs.” Some ways to help
combat multiple drug resistant bacteria include:
1) Understand that a lot of times an antibiotic is not the best choice for your
child’s illness.
2) Wash your hands and fresh produce thoroughly. Only use antibacterial hand
gels and soaps when warm water and soap are not available.
3) Ensure your child completes their full course of antibiotic therapy when
prescribed.
I often wonder how it is that anyone ever reaches the age of adulthood. Just
surviving one full day of school is a feat in and of itself. So how do our
children do it? As far as the school bullies go, if your kids are anything like
my daughter, they will immediately run and tell on the perpetrator at large. As
for the bugs, with the right amount of guidance and hand washing, I think our
kids will make it through the school year just fine…
P.S.S. (Parent Sanity Saver): If your kids seem to ignore the advice you deliver
concerning the importance of proper hand hygiene, have them go online to the
Scrub Club™ at www.scrubclub.org. The Scrub Club™ is a fun, interactive website
dedicated to teaching children the benefits of hand washing.
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The author is a doctor of pharmacy and
mother of two amazing little girls. You can contact her directly
at
drk@themedicinemom.com or visit her website at
www.themedicinemom.com.
She encourages reader feedback and questions. |
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