‘Tis the season for a brand-new school year! In addition to buying school supplies and new tennis shoes, you will be gearing up for your child to come home with a variety of illnesses again this fall. It can be hard to send your child to school knowing that he or she is at risk of getting ill.

While it isn’t possible to completely prevent your child from getting sick when school is back in session, there are some things you can do to help support his or her immune system. Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Louisville provides some great advice below!

Why Are Illnesses More Common During the School Year?

After a summer spent with family, at summer camps or with friends, your child goes back into school with the entire student body, and each child brings viruses and various illnesses to school! All of these kids together is a recipe for the spread of new illnesses.

In fact, there are over 200 different strains of the common cold. Even as we type this, there are probably more mutating! While it can seem overwhelming to try and protect your child from all of these viruses, some simple prevention tips can help.

Tips for Preventing Illness

• Stay current with your child’s vaccination schedule.
• Encourage frequent handwashing.
• Support a proper diet and appropriate amount of sleep.
• Discourage sharing of food and personal items when possible.

Should I Be Worried If My Child Is Ill Often?

Getting colds or simple viruses usually isn’t a cause for concern. Colds aren’t related to playing outside, having wet hair, forgetting a jacket when it’s cold or any other old wives’ tales you have been told.

Even though it is inconvenient and hard to see your young ones not feeling well, being exposed to a variety of illnesses actually helps them down the road. These illnesses are building up their immune systems that will protect them and keep them strong and healthy.

Steps to Recovery

• When your child is sick, keep him or her at home and follow your school’s guidelines on when to return.
• Encourage your child to drink water and eat well.
• Let him or her sleep and rest as much as possible.

Are you concerned that your child’s illness is more serious? Visit our AFC team—no appointment necessary!