Despite what Parliament sang to us in the 70’s, when it comes to back-to-school season, we absolutely don’t want the funk. This year, that “funk” comes in the form of colds, flu, stomach bugs, pink eye and even lice, all ready to make the rounds as classrooms fill up and kids get back into their routines. The good news? Understanding how these bugs actually spread and taking a few smart steps can keep your family healthy this fall.
How Germs and Lice Travel
Droplet Spread: Tiny droplets from coughs, sneezes, or even talking can land on surfaces or directly enter another person’s nose, mouth, or eyes. Cold, flu, COVID and RSV are classic examples.
Contact Spread: Germs linger on doorknobs, desks, toys, and devices. Lice spreads mainly through head-to-head contact or shared hats, brushes, and hair accessories. And, keep in mind that lice can survive and spread in water.
Fecal-Oral Spread: Stomach bugs like norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus (amongst others) are transmitted when microscopic amounts of fecal matter touch hands, surfaces, or food and then enter the mouth. Young children are particularly susceptible.
Handy Cheat Sheet for Stopping the Funk
Start with the hands:
- Wash hands often, for 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Hand sanitizer is ok when soap isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Keep surfaces clean:
- High-touch surfaces like phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and shared school supplies are germ hot zones. Frequent wipe downs are a must this time of year.
- For lice: check hair weekly and avoid sharing brushes, hats, or hair accessories. Remember, you may not notice lice until they are in the adult stage, so look closely, look often and remain diligent.
Cover the droplets:
- Teach kids to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue.
- Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands afterward.
Manage close contact:
- Head-to-head contact spreads lice. Discourage sharing hats, headphones, or hair tools. Keep long hair tied up in a bun, braid or pony tail.
- Encourage personal space during group activities when possible.
Support the immune system:
- Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and daily movement help the body fight germs effectively.
Stay home when sick:
- Fever, vomiting, or new respiratory symptoms mean rest at home. Even mild symptoms can spread germs.
Quick tips from my family to yours:
- Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer near each tissue box or place the tissue box near the sink.
- Place a small supply of hair ties by the door for a quick tie-up when leaving the house.
- Keep a “hair bin” labeled with each child’s name and label ALL brushes.
- Open windows and doors when the weather allows to encourage fresh air circulation through your home.
- Wash sheets, blankets and pillow cases once per week and just after an illness.
Bottom line:
As the school year kicks off and fall settles in, it’s normal for colds, flu, stomach bugs, and lice to make occasional appearances. While we can’t control everything that comes our way, understanding how these bugs spread gives us the power to reduce risk and protect our families. Simple habits like regular hand washing, keeping personal items separate, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick can make a big difference. Supporting your child’s immune system with adequate sleep, healthy meals, and daily activity adds another layer of defense. With a little awareness, preparation, and patience, you can help your family navigate the season with fewer disruptions, fewer sniffles, and a lot more peace of mind. This fall, may the only funk in your home be the music, not the germs.