Tips For Teachers To Protect Against The Common Cold
Posted: Tuesday, November 25, 2008
by Stephany Springer
Fall and winter brings about the cold season and for teachers it can be detrimental. Studies show that the more time spent indoors will increase the chances of catching a cold virus.
Children have about five to seven colds per year, primarily because of time spent at school in close contact with other kids most of the day.
This fall in my class alone I have yet to have one day where the entire class was at school. My students have taken turns missing due to sickness.
Have hand Sanitizer Available
I know this sounds silly, but kids need to be made to wash their hands. They need to wash them continually. I once worked at a school that disallowed soap and paper towels because of the issues it caused in the bathrooms. I continually used hand sanitizer to protect against germs. Kids no matter what their age can spread germs back and forth through touch, etc. Make sure those hands only spread kindness. Wash hands, wash hands and wash again. Then use hand sanitizer.
Lysol
Although I have a fellow teacher that sprays herself with Lysol every day, I am not advising that unless you are brave. She does swear by it and never misses a day, though. I am suggesting Lysol toys, pencils, trashcans, anything kids come in contact with. Do this at the end of every day after the kids have left. Spray enough for a thorough cleaning and let dry overnight.
Have a Tissue Available
Ask your parents to donate tissue to the classroom. I know we often run out of the boxes bought at the beginning of the year quickly during this time of the year. Teach kids to cough and sneeze in a tissue then throw it away. If a tissue is not available, have them use the inside of their arm. Note: Never pick up a used Kleenex. Instead use gloves or plastic to pick it up. The worse sinus infection I ever had was because I picked up a tissue while cleaning at the end of the day.
Don't share
I have a co-teacher and there are often times we mix up our bottled waters. This is a big thing not to do during cold season. Teach your kids not to share drinks, pencils, etc. Also teach them about your space and how they should not touch it. I know this sounds mean as a teacher, but it is more mean to miss school for several days because you are sick.
Call home
Often times at teachers, we feel uncomfortable calling home. If a kids is sick, send him home before he exposes everyone. Spray his belongings well and sanitize those around him. Also, if a parent tells you at drop off that their child has been sick or has a runny nose, ask them to keep the child at home. The best defense against the cold is to stay home when you are sick and not spread it around to others.
These are just a few tips. Be sure and take your vitamins, double up on cold medicine at the start of being sick and enjoy some hot tea to relax after a hard day. Stay stress-free and get lots of rest so that your body stays on defense mode against the cold.
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