When a child goes to school, they become part of an open community, meaning they are more exposed to infections. As a result, they may contract various illnesses, whether respiratory diseases such as the common cold and influenza, or even skin infections. This is due to the rapid spread of germs among large numbers of students, in addition to the many and fast-spreading sources of infection.
It is essential for mothers to ensure that their child’s health is protected and that they remain in good condition, without symptoms that could cause frequent absences from school and negatively affect academic performance. For this reason, “Nadormagazine” met with family medicine and preventive care consultant Dr. Marihan Abdelaziz, who shared important advice on how to reduce the spread of infections among children in schools—such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, avoiding uncovered food, and other tips outlined below.
What Are the Most Common Infectious Diseases Your Child May Catch at School?
1. Respiratory Infections
Be aware that your child may be exposed to colds and influenza, along with symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract. These symptoms may worsen and reach the lower respiratory tract, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchitis, and high fever. These infections spread easily among children due to close contact, lack of mask use, and closed classroom doors and windows—especially during cold winter weather.
2. Skin Infections
Some diseases spread through direct contact or overcrowding. One common example is chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is widespread among schoolchildren. The infection can last from 5 to 10 days. If one child becomes infected, the disease can easily spread to classmates—especially those who have not had chickenpox before or have not received the vaccine. Symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite, followed by a skin rash or small fluid-filled blisters that are itchy and painful.
3. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
You may notice redness in your child’s eyes along with increased tearing. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections and spreads easily among children through contact with infected eyes, tears, or eye discharge. Eye secretions remain contagious for 24 to 48 hours.
4. Diseases Prevented by Vaccination
Your child may contract measles if they have not received the required vaccinations. Measles spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can stick to surfaces or be inhaled by others, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. Measles is characterized by high fever followed by a distinctive skin rash.
5. Diseases Caused by Poor Hygiene
Vomiting and diarrhea often occur due to exposure to contaminated sources, such as not washing hands properly, close contact with infected children, or eating contaminated food. For example, if a child with intestinal worms shares their sandwich without washing their hands, the infection may be transmitted to a healthy child. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and poor concentration.
Important Tips to Reduce the Risk of Infectious Diseases
Strengthening Your Child’s Immunity Before the School Year
A child’s immunity does not develop overnight—it builds gradually. Before the school year begins, mothers should arrange medical checkups, including:
Iron level tests to rule out anemia
Vitamin A levels to prevent vision problems that affect reading and writing
Vitamin D levels to avoid back curvature, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep problems, and delayed growth
Encouraging Proper Handwashing
Teach your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water for at least 45 seconds. Handwashing after using school bathrooms is especially important to prevent infections such as intestinal worms, which cause weakness, abdominal pain, and difficulty focusing in class.
Wearing Masks During Illness Seasons
Encourage your child to wear protective masks during seasons when infectious diseases are common. Masks significantly reduce the risk of infection if changed every few hours and worn correctly. Children should also be taught how to remove masks safely without touching them. Masks are also helpful in protecting children from air pollution and car exhaust.
Avoiding Uncovered Food at School
Sending a homemade school lunch daily is one of the best ways to protect your child from contaminated food sold on the streets or in school cafeterias, where hygiene and safety cannot always be guaranteed. Such foods may cause diarrhea and intestinal infections, which can be life-threatening. Homemade meals are nutritionally balanced and provide children with energy and focus throughout the school day.
Promoting Healthy Habits from an Early Age
Raising children on healthy eating habits greatly improves their immunity. Avoid fast food, which contains excessive oils, hydrogenated fats, preservatives, and artificial colors that weaken immunity and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as childhood diabetes.
Ensure your child eats balanced meals rich in vitamins and minerals, including daily salads, adequate protein, and reduced sugars and refined carbohydrates to prevent obesity. Encourage drinking plenty of water, ventilating their room, and exposing them to sunlight to boost vitamin D levels. Finally, maintaining early bedtime routines and avoiding late nights are essential for overall health and school performance.
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