5 tips to keep germs away

As children return to school, the increased spread of germs also makes a comeback! In order to protect the health of your children, family, and even colleagues, here are five tips to help reduce the spread of germs. 

1) Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect children and their classmates. Make sure your child's immunizations are up to date before starting school. Dialogue can help you evaluate the vaccination record. Then, contact your family physician or a vaccination clinic near you to make an appointment.

2) Hand washing

Teach children to wash their hands properly by doing it regularly with them at home: before meals, after playing outside, before coming out of the bathroom and after blowing their nose. Try to make it fun! Foam soap, sing a song, show them a video with the proper technique, or choose a container with an attractive scent and packaging. You can also use a hand sanitizer when you leave the house. Make sure that the disinfectant contains at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective. 

3) Keeping hands away from the face

Remind your child not to put his or her hands on his or her face: no fingers in the mouth, eyes, or nose. These are gateways for microbes.

4) The environment

Make sure to regularly clean your child's desk, working surfaces, and toys properly. Many viruses can survive on hard surfaces and are transmitted through the sharing of objects or environments. Moreover, if you want to contribute to the health of the students in your child's school, offer wipes, disinfectant soap (Lysol, Purell) and tissues to bring to school at the beginning of the year!

5) Sneezing and coughing technique

Show your kids how to cough or sneeze in the nook of their elbow, instead of using their hands. Use videos or correct their technique as much as possible.

If germs still get the best of you and your kids, consult Dialogue for helpful tips on how to relieve symptoms. Our virtual clinic can also refer you to a medical consultation when necessary or to the appropriate services depending on the urgency of the situation.