Classes are back, and so are the germs: tips for keeping the whole family healthy

With the return to school, families also begin to navigate the usual season of colds, viruses and other illnesses that can make their way from the classroom to the home. Children spend much of their day around other children, making it especially important for parents to know what symptoms to watch for, when a child should stay home and how to reduce the spread of illness within the family.

We spoke with Dr. Vanessa Pozzi, pharmacist and owner of Farmacia Rincón and the newly opened Farmacia Lucía in Aguada, about what families should know as the school year gets underway. Dr. Pozzi has become a trusted local source for What’s Up Rincón readers on health topics affecting our community. She offers practical guidance for the season ahead. From common illnesses and medication safety to hydration, sleep, sun protection and the everyday habits that can help children stay healthy.

What’s going around?

Q: When kids go back to school and spend all day surrounded by other children, what are the most common illnesses you expect to see rise?

A: At the start of the school year, we mainly expect an increase in viral respiratory infections. Things like colds, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, along with pharyngitis, ear infections and conjunctivitis. Contagious conditions like hand, foot and mouth disease and impetigo are also common.

Q: How easily can an illness a child picks up at school spread to the rest of the family?

A: Very easily. Many infections picked up at school, especially respiratory ones, spread quickly within the household through close contact between family members.

Q: Is there anything you’re seeing at the pharmacy right now that parents should know about?

A: Right now we haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary for the season. We’re seeing the usual respiratory and viral cases, but nothing that stands out in particular.

When germs make it home

Q: When a child comes home sick, what can parents do to reduce the chances that siblings and other adults in the family also get sick?

A: The most important thing is frequent handwashing, avoiding sharing cups, utensils, towels and other personal items, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and keeping the home well ventilated.

Q: Are there habits at home that can make a real difference? Handwashing, not sharing cups or utensils, cleaning frequently touched surfaces or improving ventilation?

A: Yes, these are simple measures, but they can significantly reduce the risk of illness spreading within the household.

Q: What about backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, phones and other items kids bring home from school? Does everything need to be disinfected?

A: Not everything needs to be disinfected daily. What matters is regular cleaning, especially of water bottles, lunch boxes and items that are in frequent contact with hands or food.

Should your child stay home?

Q: What symptoms mean a child should stay home from school?

A: Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, significant weakness, or any symptom that keeps the child from participating normally in school activities.

Q: What about a child with a runny nose or a mild cough who otherwise feels fine?

A: If it’s just a runny nose or a mild cough, no fever, and the child feels well and has the energy to take part in activities, they can generally still go to school.

Q: How should parents handle fever, vomiting or diarrhea when deciding whether a child can return to school?

A: The child should be fever, vomit and diarrhea free for at least 24 hours, and in the case of fever, without fever-reducing medication, before returning to school.

Q: What symptoms mean parents should call the pediatrician instead of treating the child at home?

A: Difficulty breathing, high or persistent fever, dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea that isn’t improving, severe pain, excessive drowsiness, or a child who seems significantly more ill than usual are all signs to contact the pediatrician.

The family medicine cabinet

Q: Now that school is back in session, what should families keep on hand in their medicine cabinet?

A: A back-to-school medicine cabinet can include a thermometer, acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on age and weight, saline nasal solution, loratadine (Claritin) for allergies, Pedialyte or an oral rehydration solution, bandages and basic first aid supplies.

Q: What are some of the most common mistakes parents make when giving their kids over-the-counter medication?

A: The most common mistakes are giving incorrect doses without accounting for the child’s age and weight, repeating doses too soon, combining products with the same active ingredient, using adult medications on children, and using kitchen spoons instead of dosing cups or syringes. Giving antibiotics without a prescription is another one, especially for viral infections, where they aren’t effective.

Q: How important is it to make sure a medication’s dose is right for the child’s age and weight?

A: It’s very important. With children many doses are calculated based on weight and age. An incorrect dose can make the medication ineffective or increase the risk of adverse effects.

Q: Are there any cold, cough or fever medications parents should use with extra caution in children?

A: Caution should be used with combination cold and cough medications. Aspirin should be avoided in children and teens, particularly during viral illnesses, and cough medications containing codeine should not be used in anyone under 18.

Other illnesses that spread at school, and vaccines

Q: What about things like conjunctivitis, strep throat, lice and so on? What should parents know to recognize them and keep them from spreading?

A: Parents should watch for telltale symptoms, like red eyes with discharge, sore throat with fever, or intense scalp itching. The important thing is not to self-medicate. Consult a doctor when needed. Complete the prescribed treatment correctly and avoid sharing personal items to reduce spread.

Q: If a child isn’t up to date on all their vaccines, is it too late to catch up now that school has already started?

A: No. If a family wants to catch up on vaccines, they can do so even after school has started. It’s best to review the vaccination history with the pediatrician and make an informed decision based on the child’s needs.

Q: Are there vaccines adults in the household should also keep in mind?

A: Yes. Adults should make sure their vaccines are up to date. Especially the annual flu shot. Depending on age and health conditions, pneumococcal and/or shingles vaccines may also be appropriate.

Keeping kids healthy beyond germs

Q: Besides infections, what other aspects of health should parents keep in mind during the school year?

A: It’s important to pay attention to nutrition, hydration, physical activity, emotional health, and especially sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for concentration, learning, memory, behavior and overall wellbeing. As a reference, 10 to 13 hours of sleep are recommended for children ages 3 to 5. Experts recommend 9 to 12 hours for ages 6 to 12, and 8 to 10 hours for teens ages 13 to 18. When it comes to emotional health, parents should watch for changes in behavior, withdrawal, anxiety, reluctance to go to school, or any sign that could suggest bullying.

Q: How important are sleep, hydration and regular meals in helping kids stay healthy?

A: Sleeping well makes a huge difference for concentration, learning, mood and emotional regulation. Good hydration helps maintain energy and focus, and good nutrition provides the nutrients kids need for growth, performance and overall wellbeing. Sometimes we overlook this part and expect the child to behave, self-regulate in the classroom and complete their schoolwork. But maybe, those basic needs aren’t being met yet. And sleep plays a huge role there. Today many children are sleeping less than they need for their age because they’re staying up late watching TV or using an iPad or other screens. That exposure, especially close to bedtime, can delay melatonin release and make it harder to fall asleep. That affects both the amount and quality of sleep. So before expecting performance, attention and self-regulation, we also need to make sure their basic needs are covered: good rest, proper hydration and good nutrition.

Q: Are kids drinking enough water during the school day, especially with the heat we have in Puerto Rico?

A: Not always. A simple strategy can be letting them pick out a water bottle they really like, which motivates them to bring it along and drink water more often throughout the day.

Q: If a child complains of headaches, tiredness or trouble concentrating during the school day, what should parents look at?

A: Parents should first look at whether the child is getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and eating properly. Because any of these can cause headaches, fatigue or difficulty concentrating.

Q: What should we keep in mind about sun exposure and outdoor activities?

A: We should pay attention to hydration and sun protection. It’s best to use sunscreen, wear light clothing and seek shade when possible. We shouldn’t wait for the child to ask for water. It’s better to offer it frequently, especially if they’re playing, doing sports or spending time outdoors. At the same time, it’s also important to remember that outdoor activities offer a lot of health benefits. Contact with nature, free movement and outdoor play support physical and emotional health, stress regulation, motor development, sleep and overall wellbeing. The idea isn’t to avoid the outdoors, but to let kids enjoy it safely and in balance.

Q: Are there any health and hygiene items parents should consider packing in their kids’ backpacks?

A: Yes. Mainly hand sanitizer and sunscreen to reapply throughout the day, especially if they’ll have recess, sports or outdoor activities.

Our local pharmacist

Q: Tell us a bit about Farmacia Lucía, Farmacia Rincón and the role they play in helping families in our community.

A: Farmacia Lucía and Farmacia Rincón have something very special in common. Both are deeply connected to the communities they serve. For us, the best part is when people feel comfortable coming in, telling us what’s worrying them, asking us a question or asking for a recommendation, knowing they’ll always be met with warmth, respect and professionalism.

Q: As a mother and a pharmacist, what’s your best advice for keeping your kids and your whole family healthy during the school year?

A: As a mother and a pharmacist, my best advice is to look at the child as a whole. It’s not just about preventing illness. It’s about knowing them, listening to them and paying attention to what they need physically and emotionally. I strongly believe in respecting their natural rhythms, nurturing family connection and creating an environment of safety and balance.

And from the pharmacy side, remember that for any question about symptoms or medications, the pharmacist can be a close and accessible resource to guide families. Never forget the basics: sleeping well, eating properly, drinking enough water, staying active and keeping up with hygiene. Often those simple habits are the foundation for keeping the whole family healthy.

A healthy return to school

The return to school brings more contact between children and, naturally, more opportunities for illness to spread. But it’s also an opportunity to reinforce the everyday habits that support children’s health throughout the school year.

From handwashing and good hygiene to sleep, hydration, nutrition and sun protection, many of the habits that help keep children healthy start at home.

And when questions come up about symptoms or medications, the local pharmacy can be a great resource for families.