Back-to-School Health Precautions Parents and Kids Need to Prepare, According to Experts

The back-to-school season used to be such an exciting time for students but health threats like COVID-19 and its variants, monkeypox, respiratory syncytial virus, superflu and super colds, are expectedly drawing concerns for parents and kids.

As the children prepare to enter the school halls and interact with their peers and teachers face-to-face again, safeguarding their health is a priority for many parents. Medical experts are also imparting some valuable back-to-school health precautions that families can adapt to ensure the avoidance of infection or illnesses.

To wear or ditch the facemask?

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN analyst, said that the question most often asked by parents as the kids return to school is if they should put their face masks back on. The expert said that it's a decision other parents must respect if they feel that a mask will protect their kids.

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However, Wen said that masking should be a top priority for everyone if there is a high level of infection in the community. As previous pandemic waves have shown, this safety protocol can reduce the risks of transmissions, especially among school children.

Wen said that for her family, personally, their priority is not to avoid the infection anymore so they are OK with not wearing a face mask. Instead, they are focusing on getting every family member vaccinated and boosted.

Getting vaccinated and observing basic protocols

Dr. Tricia Pearce of the Department of Health in Bay County in Florida said in an interview with WJHG that vaccine requirements in some schools have been established long before COVID-19. She advised parents to look into their child's school list and comply with the requirements.

Pearce also wants children not to forget about the basic health protocols that stop the spread of germs, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer if there are no soaps. These are very effective ways against the spread of flu, cough or colds, and other infectious illnesses.

The state Department of Health also advised families to stay at home if they do get sick and deal with getting better first than attending to their tasks, duties and obligations at school or work.

Wen added that some schools and after-school programs may still impose regular COVID-19 tests as with the 2021 school year, depending on the community transmissions. Other schools, however, may only ask for testing results if the child is showing symptoms. At any rate, it's still good to stock up on testing kits in case it is needed at home.

What about monkeypox?

Public Health District Director Lou Kreidler said via Texoma's that there is a great concern for monkeypox spread in school, especially as there are still no reported cases in their area in Witchita, Kansas. He believes that infection of this disease is applicable to close contact.

Kreidler also said that health concerns are always at an all-time high during back-to-school season, pre-COVID, because it's also the start of flu season. As with Pearce, he expects the children to wash their hands and use hand sanitizers, as guided and reminded by the parents.

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