Few things in life are guaranteed.
Others are practically inevitable — like back-to-school germs.
Each year, as soon as school starts, my kids come home with a new cold or cough. I can almost set my calendar by it.
Last year, it was a week into the term when my youngest developed a sniffle, and by the end of the week, the whole family had caught it.
Sound familiar?
Well, this year I'm determined to be a little more prepared. So I spoke to Diane Allenet, a registered pharmacist at Ramsay Pharmacy, to find out how we can minimise the chances of school sickness and keep our kids healthy and resilient throughout the year.
Having a well-stocked health kit can help you feel prepared for any common issues that might arise during the school year.
The team at Ramsay Pharmacy is available to provide guidance on putting together an essentials kit tailored to your needs.
Allenet suggested included items to manage everyday issues like head lice or minor injuries.
"Head lice is a common concern, and it always seems to happen at the worst time — like 9pm when your child comes to you with an itchy head," Allenet said.
"So it's never a bad idea to have your kit ready to go. Consider including lice treatment products, such as combs, sprays and conditioners, as well as band-aids, antiseptic wipes and other basic items for cuts or scrapes."
Ramsay Pharmacy also offers products that may be convenient for school bags.
Allenet recommended including antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser to encourage good hygiene practices, such as cleaning desks or devices during the day.
The team at Ramsay Pharmacy is happy to assist with any questions to ensure you have the right essentials for your family.
Both hydration and sleep play a key role in supporting a child's immune system, resilience and ability to focus during the school day.
Allenet recommended adding rehydration salts to your child's water bottle to help them stay hydrated, especially when they're running around during lunch and recess on hot days.
"Kids sweat a lot during playtime, and rehydration salts can help maintain hydration without adding excess sugar," Allenet said.
"The salts also support the body's ability to absorb water effectively, which is important for performance both in the classroom and on the playground."
Plus, they taste great — a win-win for making sure kids are actually drinking their water.
Equally important is ensuring your child gets enough rest. A consistent sleep routine will help them feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
"Well-rested children are better able to handle the demands of school," Allenet added.
It's easy to forget, but one of the best ways to keep your child's immune system strong is simply by getting outside.
"Fresh air and natural sunlight are incredibly beneficial for boosting immunity," Allenet explained. "Sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in immune function."
Encouraging outdoor play, even during the colder months, can help your child stay healthy by improving their overall resilience and response to germs.
So whether it's a walk after school or outdoor sports, regular exposure to the elements can help your child's body stay in top fighting shape.
Plus, a little time outdoors is a great mood booster too!
Another effective way to combat germs is through education.
Teaching kids why hygiene matters — rather than simply telling them what to do — makes it more likely they will adopt these habits.
"When children understand the importance of handwashing and other hygiene practices, they're more likely to internalise and stick with these habits," Allenet explained.
"Kids are more likely to act on things they understand, and once they know why they're doing something, it becomes a part of their daily routine."
Allenet also recommended encouraging your child to be mindful of their own hygiene and to help their friends do the same.
"If your child sees a friend coughing into their hands, teach them to gently call them out on it. Kids learn best from each other," she said.
From coughing into their elbow to washing hands after touching shared surfaces, every small hygiene gesture helps.
With these simple habits, your child will be better equipped to prevent the spread of germs — and be less likely to catch them in the first place.
Finally, Allenet recommended making health checks with your pharmacist a regular part of your back-to-school routine.
"We can discuss your child's health and identify any potential concerns, and refer them to a GP or other appropriate healthcare professional for further checks if necessary."
Health checks can also address any minor worries that might affect your child's ability to focus or participate in school activities.
"For example, if your child experiences frequent headaches or eye strain after school, we can recommend that you see a GP or optometrist for a professional evaluation."
But a regular health check doesn't just mean looking at physical health — mental health is equally important, especially for older children or those transitioning to secondary school.
"Sometimes children don't want to speak to their parents about things that are bothering them, but they might feel more comfortable talking to a pharmacist," Allenet said.
"If a child is feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, we can help them navigate these emotions and refer them to a GP or visit Ramsay Psychology for further support if needed."
Head to Ramsay Pharmacy to get ready for back-to-school this year.
This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any health condition and vaccine, always seek health and medical advice from a qualified pharmacist or your healthcare professional.
Feature Image: Getty.
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