(NU) – Along with homework and grades, your children could be bringing home something more unwelcome from school: sniffles, sneezes and coughs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold is one of the most frequent causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. Colds are caused by viral infections (not bacterial), which means that the virus is immune to everything antibiotic. In addition, more than 200 different kinds of viruses can cause cold symptoms, which means that most kids can expect to average about six colds every year.
Spending lots of time in the classroom — in close quarters with other children who come to school when they are sick — means that the average school child has a high likelihood of contracting the cold this winter. So what’s a concerned parent to do? While it’s impossible to completely avoid the spread of germs, there are things you can do to protect you and your family from becoming infected this winter:
Drink healthy beverages
Drink plenty of water and health drinks like NuVim®. Along with the immune system enhancing ingredient MunePro, NuVim® contains a variety of nutrients to help keep the body healthy, including the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E as well as B-12, zinc, calcium and essential amino acids. It can be found in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets. For a list of stores that carry NuVim® or to purchase it in powder form, visit www.nuvim.com or call 877-850-8777.
Keep surfaces clean
This includes doorknobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, counter tops and sinks. Your child’s desk and locker handle should also be wiped down periodically. Also, encourage your child to wash his hands frequently at school, especially before eating lunch.
Use paper towels
Germs can live for several hours on cloth towels. Alternatively, have separate towels for each family member and provide a clean one for guests.
Control stress
Studies have shown that kids experiencing stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts. If school days are particularly stressful, schedule a relaxing activity at home to help your child unwind.
