When kids head back to school, they spend hours each day around classmates, teachers, shared surfaces, and communal spaces. From classrooms and cafeterias to playgrounds and sports practices, all that close contact can make it easier for colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other illnesses to spread. While it’s impossible to prevent every sickness, parents can help children develop everyday habits that support their health and reduce the spread of germs. A few simple routines (many of which can be established before the school year even begins) can help kids stay healthy and ready to learn.
For same-day back-to-school urgent care services, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week. Simply stop by during operating hours or plan your visit in advance below!
Book Now1. Teach Good Hygiene and Handwashing Habits
One of the easiest ways to help prevent the spread of germs is to make handwashing a regular part of your child’s daily routine. Children touch desks, door handles, playground equipment, shared school supplies, and countless other surfaces throughout the day. They may then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth without realizing it.
Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water:
- Before eating or handling food
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose
- After playing outside
- When they arrive home from school
Remind them to wash for about 20 seconds and clean all parts of their hands, including between their fingers and around their nails. It’s also important to teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow, rather than their hands. When soap and water isn’t available, hand sanitizer can be a convenient alternative.
2. Help Kids Get Enough Sleep, Nutrition, and Fluids
Healthy habits at home can play an important role in helping children stay well throughout the school year. Adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and proper hydration give kids the energy they need for school and physical activity while supporting overall health. Children have different sleep needs depending on their age. School-aged children generally need around 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers typically need 8 to 10 hours.
A consistent bedtime routine can make it easier for kids to get enough rest. Try to:
- Keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent
- Limit screens before bed
- Create a relaxing nighttime routine
- Keep the bedroom comfortable and quiet
Nutrition matters too. Instead of focusing on specific foods that “boost” immunity, aim for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods. Also, don’t forget hydration! Encourage your child to bring a water bottle to school and drink water throughout the day, especially during warm weather or physical activity.
3. Keep Up With Preventive Care and Know When To Stay Home
Keeping your child’s routine healthcare appointments and vaccinations up-to-date is another important part of staying healthy during the school year. Depending on your child’s age and circumstances, their healthcare provider can make sure they’re receiving recommended preventive care and vaccines. Parents should also teach children to recognize when they aren’t feeling well. Kids may be tempted to push through symptoms because they don’t want to miss a test, sports practice, or time with friends. However, staying home when sick can help prevent illnesses from spreading to classmates and teachers.
Depending on the illness and your school’s policies, your child should likely stay home if they have symptoms such as:
- Fever / chills
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Symptoms of a contagious infection
If your child becomes sick, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer for a same-day evaluation, treatment plan, and guidance when they can return to school.
Help Your Child Stay Healthy This School Year by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
Getting sick is a normal part of childhood, and there’s no way to completely eliminate exposure to germs at school. However, healthy everyday habits can help reduce the spread of illness and support your child’s overall health. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, keep up with preventive care, and stay home when they’re sick. Starting these habits early can make them easier to maintain throughout the school year. If your child does become sick, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our team can evaluate common childhood illnesses, perform appropriate testing when needed, and provide guidance on when they can get back to school safely. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the back-to-school services we provide, contact us directly at (303) 733-4000.