Pro Tips From A Family Physician To Protect Your Children From Germs This Back-To-School Season

Staged first day of school pics? Adorbs! Seeing your child’s face light up when reuniting with their buddies and fave teachers after summer break? Rewarding. One of the things parents and caregivers don’t look forward to during back-to-school season is the possibility of their kiddos getting sick and as a result, everyone else in the household getting sick. It is often preventable. And reducing the number of times it happens can greatly reduce stress for parents. We all know that happier parents are a strong indication that there will be happier children in the mix as well.

We checked in with Dr. Jen Caudle for her expert tips on the best ways to protect our little ones from germs this school year. Caudle is a board-certified family physician and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Rowane University School of Osteopathic Medicine. A trusted health authority, she regularly lends her medical expertise to other outlets including USA Today, The TODAY Show, CNN and Good Housekeeping. Just in time for back-to-school season, Dr. Caudle stopped by to give us the 411 on how to help our children reduce the spread of germs at school, how parents can keep their homes more germ-free and why parents and caregivers should give themselves grace.

ESSENCE: As parents prepare for the start of a new school year, what are things to keep in mind about germ and cold prevention?
DR. JEN CAUDLE:

Create an after-school reset: The period right after school is a great opportunity to build a routine that helps keep the household healthier. Have children put backpacks and lunchboxes in a designated spot, empty reusable water bottles for washing, and wash hands before they head for snacks, screens, homework or play.

Make a family sick-day plan: Know your school’s illness and return-to-school policies. Keep basics such as tissues, a thermometer, fluids, and first-aid supplies available and decide where a sick child can comfortably rest away from siblings when feasible. Encourage everyone to use separate cups, utensils, towels, and electronics during an illness, and increase attention to handwashing and high-touch surfaces.

Prevention: There is no single action that can 100% prevent all illnesses, but there are methods to help lessen germ spread during this busy season. Families should combine good hand hygiene, stay home when sick when possible, cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue, avoid the sharing of drinks and utensils, and routinely clean high-touch surfaces at home. For busy households, I recommend using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes because they kill 99.9% of germs without smelling like it making them an easy and reliable option to quickly disinfect in between busy schedules. Always check labels to ensure proper usage. 

Dr. Jen Caudle (Photo courtesy of subject)

ESSENCE: What are the most common ways little ones get sick from their classmates?
DR. JEN CAUDLE: Children are often in close contact with one another for many hours a day. Respiratory viruses can spread when children cough, sneeze, talk closely together, or touch shared objects and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Shared supplies, toys, desks, tablets, water fountains, bathroom fixtures, and frequently handled items can all contribute to germ transmission. Instilling proper preventative hygiene habits early on is essential for young children.

ESSENCE: Should students disinfect their cubbies, lockers and desks periodically throughout the school year?
DR. JEN CAUDLE: Schools should have regular cleaning and disinfecting protocols, especially high-touch shared areas. For disinfecting, it is important that schools use products safely and according to their labels, including directions for appropriate surfaces, contact time, ventilation, and adult supervision. Products such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes can be useful for disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces, but they should be used only as directed and stored safely out of reach of younger children. For students, the most impactful daily habit remains in proper handwashing — particularly before eating and after shared activities.

Remember to read product labels and use the product as directed.

ESSENCE: Share your preventative wellness tips for students and their families this school year.
DR. JEN CAUDLE:

• Prioritize sleep: Consistent bedtimes help children feel rested, ready for learning and support overall health.
• Offer balanced meals and hydration: Aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and plenty of water throughout the day.
• Keep kids moving: Regular physical activity benefits physical health, mood, stress management, and sleep.
• Do not share personal items: Encourage children to use their own water bottles, utensils, and personal items.
• Practice cough and sneeze etiquette: Use an elbow or tissue, followed by handwashing.

ESSENCE: Is there anything regarding back-to-school germ prevention you haven’t touched on that you’d like to add?
DR. JEN CAUDLE: I want parents and caregivers to give themselves some grace. Children will be exposed to germs at school, and getting sick occasionally is part of the process. The goal is not to create a perfectly germ-free home, but it is to establish practical preventative habits that help reduce germ exposure and support the whole family’s health.