As kids head back to school, sharing supplies and close classrooms also mean sharing germs. You can’t prevent every sniffle, but small daily habits make a real difference in how often kids get sick and how fast they recover. The CDC and AAP say handwashing, vaccines, good sleep, and smart “stay home” rules are some of the strongest tools families have. This issue walks you through what’s realistic for busy mornings and what matters most for school-time health.
Monday, August 17, 2026Infection
Back-to-School Germs: Helping Your Child Stay Healthy in Class
Simple routines to lower sick days without raising worry
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Tips
Handwashing That Actually Works
The CDC recommends washing with soap and water for about 20 seconds—long enough to hum the ABCs—especially before eating and after the bathroom, recess, or blowing the nose.
Guidance
When to Keep a Child Home From School
Fever, vomiting, trouble breathing, or a child who feels too sick to join normal classroom activities usually means a home day is safest for everyone.
Explainer
Why Vaccines Still Matter for School
Up-to-date vaccines help protect your child and classmates from illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and flu, which can spread quickly in close school settings.
Tips
Teaching Kids to Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Show your child how to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue and wash hands right after. Practicing at home makes it more automatic at school.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
This week, add a simple “Back-to-School Germ Smarts” moment to well visits: a 60-second script on handwashing, when to keep kids home, and checking that vaccines (including flu and COVID-19 where recommended) are up to date. Front desk teams can hand parents a one-page, sixth-grade-level flyer with CDC/AAP-backed sick-day and handwashing tips, and invite families to ask their pediatrician how this applies to their child’s health and school plan.
Source: CDC hand hygiene guidance; AAP HealthyChildren.org school illness and exclusion tips
Always Available