We oftentimes hear, “Back to school. Back to germs.” In fact, I think we have said it on this blog and via our social media channels a time or two. But, as the new school year begins, that doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, let’s focus on steps we can take to have a healthy school year.
1. Teach Children About Handwashing and Hand Sanitizing
One of the first things we can do is teach our kids where the germ hotspots are located in a school and encourage them to either wash or sanitize their hands after coming into contact with them. These hotspots include:
- Cafeteria tables,
- Computer keyboards and mice,
- Desks,
- Handrails,
- Gym equipment,
- Faucets, and
- Door knobs.
2. Clean and Disinfect Commonly Touched Objects
It is important to make sure frequently touched surfaces and objects are properly cleaned and disinfected with a product that is formulated to quickly kill common illness-causing germs to help keep students and teachers healthy and in the classroom. These surfaces and objects include the germ hotspots in a school, as well as toys and shared school supplies.
3. Either Wash or Sanitize Hands at Key Moments Throughout the Day
Practicing hand hygiene at key moments – handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, like PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer, when soap and water are not available - is one of the most important preventive measures we can all take to reduce our risk of getting sick. Yet, with all of the demands of the busy school day, what are those key hand hygiene moments? Here are four for all of us to remember.
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after eating
- After riding the school bus
- After sneezing or coughing