**5 Common Back-to-School Illnesses and How to Treat Them**
As children head back to school, the likelihood of them picking up an illness is high. Parents are already searching for ways to prevent their kids from getting sick. Dr. John Burke, a Chief Medical Officer and GP, explains that children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to illnesses like colds and flu when they return to school.
**Symptoms of Common Back-to-School Illnesses:**
– *Common Cold*: Sore throat, coughing, sneezing, congestion, and high temperature.
– *Flu*: High temperature, fatigue, aches, sore throat, dry coughs, and headaches.
– *Norovirus*: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, and headaches.
– *Tonsillitis*: Fever, sore throat, enlarged tonsils, white spots in the throat, headaches, and aches.
– *Chicken Pox*: Fatigue, high temperature, headache, aches, and a red itchy rash all over the body.
**Prevention Tips:**
1. **Practice Good Hygiene:** Teach children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and to wash hands thoroughly to minimize virus spread.
2. **Keep up with Vaccinations:** Ensure your child’s vaccinations are current to prepare their bodies to fight off infections.
3. **Avoid Spreading Viruses:** Keep sick children home until symptoms subside, especially for contagious illnesses like chicken pox.
4. **Embrace Fresh Air:** Spending time outdoors and ventilating your home with fresh air can help boost immunity.
5. **Maintain a Healthy Diet:** A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, and dairy can strengthen immunity and reduce illness risk.
**Treating Illnesses:**
– Encourage rest to help the body recover and fight off viruses.
– Ensure proper hydration by offering clear fluids like water or ice lollies.
– Administer pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol following dosage instructions.
– Offer bland, easily digestible foods like toast and crackers for upset stomachs.
Dr. Burke emphasizes that while it’s challenging to avoid illnesses entirely, practicing good hygiene and healthy routines can help children stay healthy as they head back to school.