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Infectious Diseases Spike When Kids Return To School − Here’s What to Do

Sick kids can spread diseases in their households and classrooms.

Credit: kali9/E+ via Getty Images

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Ready or not, back-to-school season is here, and kids will be bringing home more than homework. They’ll be carrying germs, too.

These viruses and bacteria will be agents that cause the common cold, influenza, norovirus, COVID-19, strep throat, and more. There’s a reason why boxes of tissues and sanitizing wipes show up on most school supply lists.

As a nursing professor with experience in public health promotion, I have spent the past several years helping the public understand how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially the flu and COVID-19.

Here are some ways to minimize illness transmission from school to home.

In what healthcare providers call the summer wave, COVID-19 infections have been increasing throughout the summer of 2024. As of July 30, 2024, the number of COVID-19 infections has grown or is likely to grow in 35 states and territories.

Summer heat waves force people inside and ...

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