Healthy habits, such as hand washing, covering one's nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and getting a flu shot, can go a long way toward keeping children healthy during the fall and winter, advises Lauren Durham, a staff nurse practitioner at University Health Services. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
University of Mississippi nurse practitioner gives practical tips on prevention and caring for sick children
With schools in full swing and cold and flu season underway, maintaining children’s health is more crucial than ever. Lauren Durham, a staff nurse practitioner in University Health Services at the University of Mississippi, offers timely advice for families navigating this challenging period.
“Now that we’re a few weeks into the school year, it’s important to reinforce healthy habits,” the mother of two said. “The best prevention sounds simple, but it’s the most effective way: hand washing.”
Hand hygiene remains a critical component of health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing with soap could protect about 1 in 3 young children who get sick with diarrhea. Another 1 out of 5 young children could ward off respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Durham recommends frequent hand washing, especially before and after eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
“Reinforce the 20-second rule,” she said. “If your children are too young to understand how long that is, then sing the happy birthday song or the alphabet song while they wash.”
Durham stresses the importance of urging children to not share personal items at school.
“Remind your children not to share water bottles, hats or headbands,” she said. “It’s all germy, unfortunately. I like to tell my kids that it’s a way to be a good friend – to help keep them from getting sick.”
With more time spent indoors, proper respiratory etiquette becomes crucial. Durham advises teaching children to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Additionally, they should avoid touching their faces.
If a child does get sick, parents may wonder at what point they should take them to a provider, Durham said.
“If it’s a morning fever, see how they feel over the next day,” Durham said. “Did they respond to Tylenol? Did the fever come back? Are they complaining of a tummy ache?
“Give it 12 to 24 hours before rushing to the doctor because many tests won’t show positive results immediately anyway.”
Seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a rash, has a fever that returns after initially going down, loses appetite, or can’t keep food or liquids down, Durham said.
Durham has some additional tips for the entire family:
- Consider flu shots as peak flu season approaches
- Use disinfectants such as Lysol more frequently, especially when someone in the household shows symptoms
- For stomach bugs, increase hand washing because hand sanitizer is ineffective against these viruses
- Drink fluids, but avoid sugary drinks, particularly if a child shows signs of illness
- Emphasize the importance of good sleep patterns to boost immune systems.
“Keep reinforcing these healthy habits at home,” Durham said. “By staying proactive, you can help keep your kids healthy and learning throughout the school year.”
By Erin Garrett
