Back to School Brings Back Sniffles and Colds
For many families with school-aged children, the return to school also signifies the onslaught of sniffles and colds. A recent study of 1,000 parents of school-aged kids revealed that 60% of parents reported their children taking between one to five days off within the first month back in school. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that over half (55%) of parents are anxious about their children returning to school, anticipating them to bring back various bugs and illnesses.
Moreover, one in five (21%) parents admitted to catching a cold from their child during the initial weeks of school reopening. Nearly half (48%) of parents expect multiple family members to fall ill due to the ‘domino cold’ effect – where one family member catches a cold, leading to a chain reaction of illnesses spreading within the household.
To help families navigate through the back-to-school sniffle season, Olbas has collaborated with family GP, Dr. Roger Henderson. Dr. Henderson emphasized the importance of hygiene practices in reducing the risk of illnesses among siblings and recommended measures to ease congestion and discomfort if a cold strikes.
As families prepare for potential disruptions caused by illnesses, many parents are already adjusting their schedules and planning childcare options for when their children are unwell. Proactive wellness measures are also being taken, with 34% ensuring good hygiene practices, 30% boosting health with vitamins, and 29% maintaining a sanitized home environment to ward off germs.
Dr. Roger Henderson advised, “Handwashing remains the most important way to reduce the spread of colds.” He recommends ensuring rest, proper nutrition, hydration, and appropriate symptom remedies to help children feel comfortable when dealing with a cold.
Olbas representative, Rachel Anthony, highlighted the importance of being prepared for the inevitable sniffles and illnesses that come with the start of the school year. By stocking up on essentials and planning ahead, families can mitigate the impact of these common ailments and establish a smoother transition back to the school routine.
For more information and tips on handling back-to-school sniffles, visit www.olbas.co.uk/help-and-advice.
- 65% of parents expect their children to be sent home from school due to illness within the first month back.
- 55% of parents dread their children going back to school due to expected illnesses.
- 21% of parents have caught a cold from their child in the first few weeks of school.
- 48% of parents anticipate multiple family members falling ill due to the ‘domino cold’ effect.
- 34% of parents emphasize good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of illness.
- 30% of parents boost health with vitamins during the back-to-school period.
- 29% of parents take extra precautions to maintain a sanitized home environment.