Preparing for Illness During the School Year

It is not our favorite part of school, but encountering some sickness throughout the year is inevitable. Learn more about when you can send your children to school and when you should keep them at home

We scoured the internet (and sought input from the pros at Christie Clinic) for the best tips and tricks for keeping your kids healthy — and for dealing with inevitable sickness — this school year

We love so much about being in the rhythm of the school year. But I think parents will all agree on one thing: Colds, flus and and other viruses that get passed around schools and daycares during all months of the year are our least favorite thing. Trips to convenient care may need to be penciled in instead of work meetings and these bugs can just cause all-around disruption in the lives of young students and their parents when they pop up and get passed around.

Check out our entire Back to School series, presented by Christie Clinic:

Thank you to Christie Clinic for presenting our 2024 Champaign-Urbana Area Back to School series

Christie Clinic wants you to give your kids a healthy start to the school year. Parents can currently make back-to-school appointments for their children through their patient portal or by using online scheduling at christieclinic.com.

Please contact the department for evening or weekend school physical appointment availability.

Find more information about school physicals here.

Dealing with the Inevitable: Tips for Preventing (and Pressing Through) Illness

How do I help maintain my kids’ health this school year?

Stay Hydrated: Encourage your children to drink plenty of water throughout the day (did we ever get enough to drink back when we were in school?!). Hydration helps keep their immune systems functioning properly and can prevent dry airways, which are more susceptible to infections. Put that Stanley, Owala, or (insert newest, trendiest water bottle here) to good use!

Get the flu shot: While a flu shot doesn’t guarantee your child won’t get sick, it does reduce the risk of severe illness. Christie Clinic Flu Shot Clinics typically begin in late September, so watch its website as well as chambanamoms.com for more info. You can also get flu shots from local pharmacies and your pediatrician or family doctor.

Practice good hygiene at home: Reinforce the importance of regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. Make handwashing fun by letting your kids pick out their favorite soap or teaching them a fun song to sing while scrubbing.

Keep up with regular health checkups: As best you can, keep up with your child’s regular check-ups and physicals at their doctor’s office. Check what the physical requirements are for Illinois students, plus stay current on your dental and vision exams. Another way to help prevent childhood illnesses is to make sure your child is getting all of their immunizations on time.

How can my kids practice healthy habits while at school?

Frequent handwashing: While many local daycares and preschools require handwashing upon arrival, that practice may end as kids get older. Encourage grade schoolers – and older! – to wash hands or use a pocket-sized hand sanitizer when they get to school. Teach your kids to wash their hands frequently, especially after recess, before eating, and after touching shared surfaces.

Healthy snacks: Pack immune-boosting snacks in lunchboxes. Examples: fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. These will keep their energy levels steady and their immune systems strong. Check out our Ask a Doc guide to packing tasty, healthy lunches for your kids.

Don’t share personal items: Encourage your children not to share items like water bottles, hats, or lip balm with their friends. Germs spread quickly through shared personal items, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Proper use of tissues: Remind your kids to use tissues when sneezing or coughing and to dispose of them immediately. It’s also important to teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow if a tissue isn’t handy.

How do I know when my child is too sick to send to school?

It’s a tough call every parent has to make: Is my child too sick to go to school? Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

Fever: If your child has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, keep them at home. A fever is a clear sign that their body is fighting off an infection, and they need rest to recover.

Persistent cough or sore throat: A mild cough is often fine, especially if your child suffers from allergies, but if your child has a persistent or severe cough, or if they complain of a sore throat accompanied by a fever, they should stay home.

Vomiting or diarrhea: These are clear indicators that your child is too sick for school. Keep them home until they’ve been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.

Fatigue: If your child is unusually tired, it may be a sign they’re coming down with something. Let them rest at home rather than pushing through a school day where they’re unlikely to focus or feel well.

What are some ways I can prepare for sick days this school year?

Create a sick day plan: Make a plan for who will stay home with your child if they get sick. Whether it’s coordinating with a partner or neighbor, arranging for a family member to help, or knowing your work-from-home options, having a plan in place will reduce stress when illness strikes.

Stock up on essentials: Be prepared by having a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Include fever medication, a thermometer, tissues, and anything else you might need for a sick day. Also, keep plenty of your child’s favorite comfort foods on hand.

As we weather the back-to-school season, taking these steps can help ensure your family navigates the fall and winter months as healthily as possible. While it’s impossible to avoid every germ, cold, or flu, being prepared can make a big difference in how these illnesses impact your household. Here’s to a healthy and happy school year for all!