There’s a lot to look forward to when heading back to school: seeing old friends, meeting new friends, new teachers and sports. But we can’t forget, germs lurk all around classrooms and playgrounds and our students may be bringing home more than just homework.
Fortunately there are steps parents can take to keep germs at bay.
- Cleaning hands is the number one way to prevent disease. Teach students to wet hands, apply soap and rub front and back of hands while singing the happy birthday song, rinse and pat dry. Don’t forget to turn off the faucet with the paper towel or elbow. If clean water is not available use hand sanitizer. Remember to clean hands before and after eating, after coughing or sneezing or when hands are soiled.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow or into a tissue. Dispose of the tissue and clean your hands.
- Get vaccinated. Flu is an infectious respiratory disease that can be prevented with a vaccine. As we spend more time in groups and indoors, infectious diseases can spread more easily. Getting vaccinated is an effective way to stay healthy and ensure we don’t miss out on school, work or special events. Getting a flu vaccine also helps protect members of our community who are most vulnerable like immunocompromised people and infants.
Alameda Health System (AHS) patients can get their free flu vaccine by calling 510-437-8500, or by drop-in at an AHS wellness clinic. Please visit the AHS website at yrc.gasnice.net/flu-vaccine for clinic locations, days and hours.
This back-to-school season let’s take steps to keep our students, families and community healthy.