FACT: 22 Million School Days are Lost Every Year Due to the Common Cold.*
Children can get up to eight colds per year with each cold lasting an average of 5 to 7 days1. The common cold is the number one reason children stay home from school or visit the doctor.
The classrooms can be a breeding ground for germs. Every desktop, pencil sharpener, doorknob and faucet that an infected child touches becomes colonized with germs. Now that the kids are back in school, help to protect them from germs with these handy tips.
What are germs?There's a lot more to germs than meets the eye - literally. Learn what you need to know to keep your family safe.
An Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away.Download the guide developed in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn seven easy, low-cost steps to help stop infectious diseases before they happen.
The Children's Activity Book!Teach your kids fun ways to learn healthy habits with this exciting booklet filled with games, puzzles, pictures and more-brought to you by the makers of LYSOL® and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). FREE LYSOL® Healthy Habits Activity Booklet for Kids.
Back-Pack Must-haves
Moist environments, like the water fountain, may harbor lots of germs. The best bet is to send children to school with bottled water, if it's permitted.
Tuck hand sanitizer like LYSOL® Healthy Touch™ Gentle Hand Sanitizer Foam into their backpacks. On the go, they're great substitutes when you can’t wash your hands. Hand sanitizer’s have an advantage over soap and water when it comes to being on the go.
Mechanical Pencils are a must have on you back-to-school shopping list. Studies show that one of the most germ-ridden item in a classroom is the community pencil sharpener! Make sure your little one is equipped with his or her own crayons or coloring pens and pencils.
Take-along tissues. Encourage your child to cover his nose or mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and after use, be sure to throw it away. Then, clean their hands, and do so every time they cough or sneeze.
Healthy + Foods = Smart Kids
Preparing a healthy breakfast every morning will jump start the day and keep your children healthy and alert during the school year. Try eggs and fruit as opposed to sugared cereals or processed foods. To ensure good nutrition at school, pack your child’s lunch and fill it with immune-boosting foods like blueberries, whole grain breads and plenty of protein.
Disinfect to Protect™
Regardless of personal hygiene, your children still bring home germs on their book bags and hands which land on your tables and countertops. You can help protect family members from picking up these germs on their hands by cleaning surfaces with LYSOL® Disinfectant Spray. Regular disinfection will help kill cold and flu causing viruses and bacteria.
Handwashing - it's how WELL you wash your hands that counts
Proper hygiene starts at home. Teach your children to wash their hands while they sing the "Happy Birthday Song" twice. Everyone should wash their hands for at least 15 seconds before every meal, after using the bathroom and after playing outside. Download our Handwashing Poster.
Remember to make your child wash his hands as soon as he comes home from school to keep germs from entering your house! Most of the time, the germs that make us sick get into our bodies from our hands. Eyes, nose and mouth are areas that bacteria loves - dark, warm and moist, and preventing the spread of germs from your environment to your body and vice-versa starts with clean, germ-free hands!
Stress-Less
Homework is important, but allowing your children to enjoy after school activities and down time is vital. Adequate exercise like playing outside or being a member of a sports team will keep your child active and healthy. Being active is also a great way to relieve stress and help keep the immune system strong.
Early to Bed
Make sure your children are well rested for school. Nine to 10 hours of sleep is a healthy amount for a child. Proper rest will keep the entire family healthy not only for the school season but all year round.
Keep up to date on shots. Talk to your pediatrician to ensure that your child is up to date with all of his immunizations, and whether getting an annual flu shot is recommended. While a flu shot is one of the best ways to avoid the flu, the vaccines aren't always 100% effective.
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Proper hygiene starts at home. Teach your children to wash their hands while they sing the "Happy Birthday Song" twice. Everyone should wash their hands for at least 15 seconds before every meal, after using the bathroom and after playing outside. 
