The start of the school year this year will not be the same as the previous years. With the ongoing pandemic, some schools are opting for remote learning or a hybrid of in-person and online sessions. However, there are schools that are pushing for in-person sessions (following sanitation protocols, of course).
As parents, you may still be worried about your kids’ health especially with the pandemic. So, what can you do to prepare and protect your kids for in-person classes?
Here are some helpful tips from ENTs:
Make it a ritual to check your child’s temperature before school.
Although there are schools that are starting to do this, it won’t do any harm if you check it too yourself. It’s just to make sure that your child doesn’t have any fever before going to school.
It can also be helpful to get a device that checks your child’s oxygen saturation (some stores sell it at $20). One of the symptoms of COVID infection is a drop in oxygen saturation.
Opt for a packed lunch.
Although there are school cafeterias that are implementing contact-free food distribution, you may feel safer by opting for packed lunches. For an added layer of safety, you may want to pack your kid’s lunch in disposable brown bags that they can dispose of after eating.
Teach your kid the proper way of washing his/her hands.
Implement in your kid the habit of proper handwashing at every transition of the day – from entering the classroom, before lunchtime, before heading home, and once he/she gets home.
Get a good face covering.
Invest in good quality and breathable face mask for your kid. To prevent unfortunate mix-ups with masks from other kids, you may want to get a customized, washable face covering. Make it fun by choosing designs that reflect your child’s personality or favorites.
Have your child shower once he/she gets home from school.
Kids, in general, maybe less symptomatic but they can spread the virus easily. So, have your kid shower and change clothes once he/she gets home from school.
These are just some of the things you can do to keep your child safe and healthy in this back-to-school season.
If your child is suffering from fever, runny nose, cough, muscle ache, fatigue, and diarrhea, call a specialist immediately.
Greater Knoxville ENT has doctors who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating ENT-related conditions. To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 244-4396.
References:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/parenting/2020/08/07/how-protect-your-kids-coronavirus-when-they-return-school/3299589001/
https://www.lanermc.org/community/lane-health-blog/back-to-school-tips-for-ent-healthhttps://www.nysinuscenter.com/2016/09/back-to-school-ent-tips/