Tips for Back to School and Swine Flu

As children close out summer camps and return to school, worries about swine flu, MRSA and other viruses follow them to the classroom. Here are some tips on how you can keep your child (and yourself) healthy and germ-free.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has these tips on avoiding any flu.

* Wash hands often. Have your child wash his or her hands frequently with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. The CDC advises people to wash their hands for 15 to 20 second in warm, soapy water. Alcohol-based gel sanitizers or hand wipes also work.

* No touching. Tell your children not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way. Kids pick up germs from other people or surfaces, then touch their face and get the germs that make them sick. Again hand washing is very helpful.

* Avoid sick people. Keep your children away from those who are sick.

* Keep sick kids home. If you or your children gets sicks, see your doctor. If they get a virus keep them home and away from others.

* Get some rest. Make sure your child is getting a good night's rest as this will help them fight off viruses.

Other actions you should take to keep your child healthy include: follow local public health advice on school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures; and keep a supply of over-the-counter medicines available in case you or your child become sick.

The CDC also recommends getting a yearly seasonal flu vaccine , which will protect you from the most common flu virus. A vaccine for the H1N1 flu, or swine flu, is not available yet, but is due in the coming months and will be an option for some.

Another good tip from FNC iMag  is "tissue tactics." Teach your child to use tissues to cover their nose and mouths when they sneeze or cough. And then have them toss the tissue in the trash after use. Another cough tactic is to cough into their sleeves or elbows rather than their hands (many kindergarten students are already taught this.)

Another issue for kids getting back to school are highly transmittable MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The CDC explains that Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of people. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor, but can cause serious infections.

The best ways to avoid MRSA include:

* Practice good hygiene
* Cover cuts and abrasions with clean bandages until healed
* Do not share personal items like towels or razors
* Use a physical barrier (like clothing or towel) when using shared exercise equipment
* Maintain a clean environment
 

More

• Back to School: How to Save Money
• Scrambling for Back-to-School Supplies