Introduction

It seems that every year, young children head off to school after summer break and then just as quickly get sick and have to spend a few days at home recovering. And it’s not just one kid. It’s the entire class. Stopped-up ears, stuffy noses, and mild fevers are nothing new.

Surely it can’t be a coincidence. There has to be a reason that school is a kind of incubator for colds and infections.

If you’re a parent wondering why kids get sick when they go back to school, then this article is for you. There are a handful of medical reasons why kids get sick when they go back to school. It’s not all in your head. And while close contact with children almost inevitably leads to sickness at some point, we’re going to share a few tips for minimizing the back-to-school malaise.

3 Medical Reasons Why Kids Get Sick When They Go Back to School

1. Close Proximity and Shared Spaces

Schools are environments where kids spend prolonged periods in close quarters. Classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds are all spaces where children are constantly interacting with one another. This close contact makes it easy for germs to spread. A simple sneeze or cough can send droplets flying, and germs can quickly transfer from surfaces like desks and doorknobs to little hands and faces.

2. Weaker Immune Systems Post-Summer

During the summer months, kids often experience a change in routine, including irregular sleep patterns, varying diets, and less exposure to germs compared to the school environment. When they return to school, their immune systems may not be as robust, making them more susceptible to the myriad of germs they encounter.

3. Lack of Perfect Hygiene

We’d love it if all kids washed their hands regularly and covered their coughs with a handkerchief. But schools can rarely enforce those levels of hygiene. Even if they could, kids would likely still get sick for a number of reasons that go beyond “kids don’t practice the best hygiene.”

Preventive Measures for Parents

While it's challenging to completely prevent sickness, here are a few steps you can take to help your child stay healthy during the school year.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Fruits and vegetables will boost your kid’s immune system during the cold season–specifically foods rich in vitamins like citrus, bell peppers, and broccoli. But beyond the traditional vitamins for immune support, it’s important that kids get enough protein to assist in their bodies’ growth. Make sure the healthy diet is in place before the illness occurs for the best chance of fighting it off. That way you can do your best to prevent kids getting sick when they go back to school.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is a critical part of immune support. With mobile devices and handheld gaming systems on the rise, many kids fail to get enough sleep each night. Extracurriculars can also cut into much-needed REM sleep. Therefore, try your best to keep kids to a regular bedtime routine that allows for at least eight hours of sleep each night. With proper sleep, the body is able to heal and fight against sickness when kids go back to school.

3. Stay Home When You’re Sick

The best way to stop a class-wide sniffles outbreak is to keep sick kids home. We all know the stereotype of kids finding sneaky ways to fake symptoms, but it’s hard to fake a runny nose and a fever. If you notice your kid is experiencing symptoms, consider keeping them home if that works for your family’s current situation. With proper rest, your child can heal faster and prevent back-to-school sickness in the classroom.

Conclusion

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be synonymous with getting sick. By understanding the reasons why kids are more susceptible to illness during this time and taking preventive measures, parents and school staff can work together to create a healthier environment for everyone.

Remember, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and keeping sick children home are key steps in minimizing illness. And while it might not eliminate sickness altogether, these steps can certainly make a significant difference.

Let's work together to make this school year the healthiest one yet!