Beating germs at school

Did you know that according to experts, 80 percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.

Washing hands with soap reduces the presence of any type of faecal bacteria on people’s hands from 44 percent to eight percent.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, more than 22 million school days are lost globally each year due to contagion illnesses.

Where are children most likely to pick up germs while at school?

•  Backpacks – backpacks go everywhere, on the floor at school, the bus home, left on the ground when playing outside. Backpacks can easily spread germs between different surfaces.
•  The lunch swap – sharing packed lunch at break time is a favourite pastime among children, but passing food between dirty hands can lead to the spread of germs, teach children to always wash hands before handling food.
•  Computer keyboards – classroom computers are used by multiple children on a daily bases, According to research, the majority of computer keyboards contain 200 times more germs than a toilet east.

How to protect your children from germs at school:

Get enough sleep – about nine to 11 hours a night for school children is the recommendation from the National Sleep Foundation.

•  Practise frequent hand washing with water and soap, especially when handling food, after using the bathroom and when you bath or shower.
•  Cover your mouth when you cough.
•  Use a tissue when you sneeze and throw it away immediately after.
•  Keep your hands away from your eyes and out of your mouth.
•  Do not share bottles, food or personal items. Follow the rules; if you put the item in your mouth keep it to yourself.
•  Avoid close contact with other children who are sick.
•  Stay home when you are sick. This will help prevent the spread of illnesses to others.
•  Eat healthy foods.
•  Play! Exercise is good for you.

How to wash your hands:

•  Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it’s available.
•  Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub every area.
•  Continue rubbing your hands for 10 seconds.
•  Rinse your hands under running water.
•  Dry your hands using a towel. If possible, use the towel to turn off the tap.

Information supplied by Lifebuoy South Africa