Back to School Health Tips: How to Keep Your Kids Healthy This School Year

It’s that time of year again—backpacks are packed, lunchboxes are labeled, and the kids are heading back to school. Along with new teachers and fresh notebooks, this season also brings something else: germs.

Every year, it feels like the first few weeks of school turn into a revolving door of runny noses, sore throats, and stomach bugs. But don’t worry—you can’t bubble-wrap your kids, but you can help them build strong defenses and healthy habits to keep those classroom germs at bay.

Here’s how to keep your child (and your whole household) healthier this school year:

• Make Handwashing Non-Negotiable - This is the single most effective way to prevent illness. Remind your child to wash their hands:
• Before eating
• After using the restroom
• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose
• When they get home from school

If soap and water aren’t an option, pack a kid-friendly hand sanitizer for their backpack. Make it fun by choosing a sanitizer with a scent they like, so they’re more likely to use it.

• Boost Their Immune System with Sleep and Nutrition - Kids need more rest than we often realize—school-aged children need about 9–12 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested body fights off germs better. Pair that with nutrient-rich meals and snacks:
• Breakfast with protein (eggs, yogurt, nut butter on toast)
• Fruits and veggies for immune-boosting vitamins
• Plenty of water (dehydration can make kids more susceptible to illness)

If your mornings are hectic, prep grab-and-go options like overnight oats, fruit cups, or cheese sticks to keep your child fueled and ready.

• Teach the “Catch and Cover” Trick - Kids are notorious for sneezing into the open air—or worse, into their hands (and then touching everything). Teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow instead. Practice at home so it becomes second nature.
• Sanitize the Stuff They Touch Constantly - Lunchboxes, water bottles, pencil cases, and backpacks are germ magnets.
• Wash water bottles and lunch containers daily
• Wipe down backpacks and lunch bags once a week
• Encourage your child not to share drinks, utensils, or snacks
• Know When to Keep Them Home - Sometimes, despite your best efforts, kids will still catch something. If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a hacking cough, keep them home. It helps them recover faster—and keeps other kids healthy, too.
• Keep the Whole Household Healthy - The truth is, kids often bring germs home. To protect everyone:
• Make handwashing a family habit
• Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, phones)
• Encourage everyone to get enough sleep and stay hydrated

Handwashing 101 - The Proper Way for Kids to Wash Their Hands

Teaching children the proper way to wash their hands is key. Here’s how to make sure they’re washing up the right way:

• Use Warm Water and Soap - Encourage kids to always start with warm water and a good amount of soap. Remind them that hand sanitizer is a backup, but soap and water work best!
• Scrub for 20 Seconds - Have kids sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while scrubbing their hands. Make sure they get between their fingers, under their nails, and the backs of their hands—not just the palms.
• Rinse and Dry Thoroughly - Rinse away all the soap, then dry with a clean towel or air dryer. Wet hands can spread germs more easily, so drying is just as important as washing.

Making handwashing fun—by using colorful soaps or singing songs—can help kids make it a healthy habit for life!

Back to School Vaccines Make A Huge Difference

Back-to-school is a perfect time for parents to double-check that their child’s vaccinations are up to date. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your child (and others) from preventable illnesses like measles and whooping cough.

Being current on vaccines helps:

• Keep your child healthy so they don’t miss valuable learning time.
• Protect classmates and teachers, including those with weakened immune systems.
• Prevent outbreaks that can lead to school closures or quarantines.

Most schools require certain vaccinations, but it’s also smart to ask your child’s doctor about recommended boosters. Staying on schedule is a simple step to make the school year safer and healthier for everyone.

Don’t Forget the Annual Flu Shot in Early Fall

Flu season hits hard and fast. An annual flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your child from illness. Not only does it help prevent the flu, but it also reduces the severity if they do get sick, keeping them in school and out of the doctor’s office.

Flu shots don’t just protect your child—they protect your whole family and the community by slowing the spread of the virus. It’s especially important for protecting babies, grandparents, and anyone with weaker immune systems at home.

Most doctors recommend kids get their flu shot before the end of October, so they’re protected before peak flu season.

TrustCare Kids Is Here to Help Your Child Feel Better Faster.

You can’t completely avoid germs, but you can stack the odds in your favor. With a few healthy habits, your child can stay strong, energized, and ready to focus on learning. But rest assured, if your kiddo comes home from school with a fever, runny nose, sore throat, stomach bug, or other ailment, TrustCare Kids will be here to care for them.

Our experienced pediatricians and skilled Care Crew offer primary and urgent care to children from birth through college. In addition to caring for your child’s physical health with the utmost of compassion and expertise—they’ll provide guidance and reassurance that your child’s health is making the grade. Our compassionate, expert care extends to all ages and addresses all primary and urgent care needs – from preventative care and wellness to treatment of acute injuries and illnesses.

TrustCare Kids pediatric primary and urgent care clinics in Gluckstadt, Madison, and Brandon, Miss., are welcoming and fun environments. The clinic décor is unlike any other pediatric facility in the area featuring animal-themed rooms and interactive games, and post-visit treats for patients make it an entirely non-traditional doctor experience. TrustCare Kids clinics are also open late and on weekends to fit any family’s busy schedule (including those with working parents) for easy access to the quality care their children deserve. To make an appointment, click here.