Back-to-School Season Brings Germ Risks – Here’s How to Stay Healthy

As children head back to school, they’re not just bringing home homework – they may also bring home germs. According to Meghan Holland, a nurse practitioner with Bayhealth Wellness Center, this time of year is high-risk for spreading illness as students return to indoor classrooms, face new social stresses and encounter a fresh wave of bacteria and viruses.

“Kids are being reintroduced to germs they haven’t been exposed to for months,” Holland said. “Being indoors more often and under stress weakens their immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to getting sick.”

Bayhealth clinicians often see an uptick in illnesses like flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep throat and gastrointestinal bugs during the early weeks of school. These conditions can spread quickly in school settings where children share supplies, food and drinks.

Handwashing: The First Line of Defense

“Hand hygiene plays a huge role in stopping the spread,” Holland said. “It’s the number one way to prevent illness.”

Proper handwashing requires clean running water, soap and 20 seconds of scrubbing all parts of the hands including fingers and thumbs. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a good backup, but Holland cautioned that some viruses aren’t killed by alcohol-based products.

“Handwashing is always best, when possible,” she said.

Vaccines Protect the Whole School

Vaccinations remain a critical component of community health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends age-appropriate vaccinations for all students, including annual flu shots. Vaccinations help create “herd immunity,” reducing overall infection risk across classrooms and communities.

“Vaccines not only protect the child who receives them,” said Holland, “but they also help safeguard students, school employees and family members.”

Healthy Habits Start at Home

Parents can support strong immune systems by modeling good hygiene practices and encouraging handwashing before meals and after using the restroom. They can also help children stay healthy by making sure they get nutritious meals, regular sleep and plenty of water.

“Nutrition, hydration and sleep all play a part in immune function,” Holland explained. “Antioxidants, micronutrients like vitamin C and macronutrients like protein help cells repair and fight off infections.”

Managing stress is also key. When children are overwhelmed, their immune response can weaken, leaving them vulnerable to illness.

Know When to Stay Home

It’s important for parents to recognize signs of more serious illness. A typical cold should last about a week without a fever. But children who have fevers, vomiting, diarrhea or signs of dehydration should stay home to recover and avoid spreading germs.

“Kids should be fever-free for at least 24 hours and not have active symptoms before returning to school,” Holland said.

Bayhealth Resources for Families

Bayhealth offers a wide range of services to keep students healthy, including primary care offices, walk-in clinics and school-based health centers. There are seven Bayhealth Wellness Centers located in high schools across Kent and Sussex counties, including Smyrna, Dover, Caesar Rodney, Lake Forest, Polytech, Milford and Woodbridge.

“These Wellness Centers provide sick visits, vaccines and general care to students enrolled in the program,” Holland said.

Final Tip for a Healthy School Year

Holland’s top recommendation for the back-to-school season is simple: “Hand hygiene, hand hygiene, hand hygiene,” she said. “Also, clean high-touch areas regularly and make sure your child eats well, sleeps enough and stays hydrated. These are the best defenses against illness.”

For more information or to find a Bayhealth provider, visit Bayhealth.org/Pediatrics or call 302-725-3550 to schedule an appointment.