It’s that time of the year when the weather changes suddenly, and you might have noticed some people around you sneezing, coughing, or feeling unwell. This is because of infectious diseases, which are contagious illnesses that can affect anyone, including kids. But don’t worry, we at the Podar Smarter School have curated a list of things to do in the current season when bacteria and germs are accumulating and hampering your health with these diseases.
WHAT ARE INFECTIOUS DISEASES?
Infectious diseases are caused by various viruses and bacteria. They produce symptoms including fever, sore throat, head and muscular discomfort, and severe respiratory issues. Particularly during winter, there is a high chance of an outbreak as multiple people can get sick at once (an epidemic).
HOW DO INFECTIOUS DISEASES SPREAD?
Infectious diseases can spread from one person to another in a few different ways, and we want you to be aware of them so you can protect yourself:
- Sneezing and Coughing: If someone close to you sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets can transmit through the air and might end up in your nose or mouth. That’s how these diseases can get into your body and make you sick.
- Touching Germy Surfaces: The viruses and bacteria can also hide on things like desks, laptops, phones, and doorknobs. If you touch these things and then touch your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth, the pathogens can enter your body.
- Sharing Germs: If someone with an infectious disease touches your hands or face, the germs can pass to you. That’s why it’s essential to avoid touching your face when you’re out and about.
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN AT SCHOOL
Now, let’s talk about how we can prevent the spread of infectious diseases specifically among children at school. Here are some important steps to follow:
1. Promote Handwashing:
- Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Install hand sanitizing stations in common areas.
- Teaching kids to wash their hands before and after meals, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
2. Practice Respiratory Hygiene:
- Teaching children to cover their mouth and nose with their elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
3. Keep Shared Spaces Clean:
- Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, and shared classroom items.
- Ensure good ventilation in classrooms by opening windows when possible.
4. Promote Vaccination:
- Encourage parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations against preventable diseases.
5. Educate Students:
- Conducting educational sessions to inform students about the importance of hygiene and how diseases spread.
- Teaching them to recognize symptoms and to report if they are feeling unwell.
6. Stay Home When Sick:
- Encourage parents to keep their children home if they are showing signs of illness.
- Implement a clear policy for when children should return to school after being sick.
- By following these steps, we can create a safer school environment for our children, reduce the risk of infectious diseases spreading, and ensure a healthy learning environment. Remember, prevention is the key to staying healthy!
At Podar Smarter Schools,, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, providing parents with peace of mind. We empower children with the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves, fostering awareness of their own bodies. Our dedicated trustees and staff ensure that our schools are meticulously maintained, creating a secure and nurturing environment for students throughout their time with us.