Germs in Schools: How to Prevent Getting Sick Going Back to School

As students head back to school, excitement for the new year often comes with an increased risk of exposure to germs in schools. Classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds are environments where germs can thrive and spread quickly. With so many shared spaces and high-contact surfaces, it’s no surprise that schools are hotspots for illnesses.

Understanding how to protect yourself from germs in schools is essential to staying healthy throughout the school year. In this blog, we’ll explore how germs are spread in schools and offer practical tips on how to prevent getting sick as students return to the classroom.

Understanding Germs in Schools

Schools are breeding grounds for a variety of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These microorganisms can survive on surfaces like desks, doorknobs, and shared equipment, waiting to be picked up by students and staff. The close quarters of classrooms, along with the frequent sharing of supplies and materials, make it easier for germs to spread from person to person.

High-contact areas like bathroom fixtures, computer keyboards, and cafeteria tables are common places where germs in schools can be found. Students often come into contact with these surfaces multiple times a day, unknowingly exposing themselves to illnesses. According to recent studies, a school desk can harbor up to 10 million bacteria—that’s more germs than the average toilet seat!

Additionally, airborne germs spread through coughing and sneezing, contributing to the rapid transmission of illnesses in schools. This leads to an increase in absenteeism, affecting both students' health and academic performance. Understanding how germs spread in schools is the first step toward preventing widespread sickness as students return to the classroom.

Common Illnesses Caused by Germs in Schools

Germs in schools can lead to a range of common illnesses, affecting both students and staff. With the daily interaction in classrooms and shared spaces, it's easy for these germs to cause infections that spread quickly. Here are some of the most common illnesses caused by germs in schools:

• The Flu
  The flu is a viral infection that spreads rapidly in school environments, especially during the colder months. It can cause fever, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue. The flu spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, making classrooms prime areas for transmission. Students with the flu can miss several days of school while recovering.

• Colds
  The common cold is another viral infection frequently found in schools. Colds cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and sneezing. While less severe than the flu, colds can still spread easily among students, particularly in shared spaces like libraries, cafeterias, and play areas.

• Strep Throat
  Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause severe throat pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It is highly contagious and spreads through close contact, often through shared utensils or surfaces. Children with strep throat may need antibiotics and time off from school to avoid spreading it to classmates.

• Stomach Viruses (Gastroenteritis)
  Stomach viruses, commonly known as "stomach flu," cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These viruses spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or water, and they are particularly dangerous in schools where children may not wash their hands properly after using the restroom or before eating.

By being aware of these common illnesses, students and staff can take steps to minimize the spread of germs in schools, ensuring a healthier school year for everyone.

How to Prevent Germs from Spreading in Schools

To reduce the spread of germs in schools and prevent common illnesses, both personal hygiene and school-wide practices are essential. Here are some proven methods to keep germs at bay:

Personal Hygiene Tips

• Proper Handwashing Techniques
  One of the most effective ways to prevent germs from spreading in schools is through frequent and thorough handwashing. Students and staff should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.

• Use of Hand Sanitizers
  When handwashing isn’t possible, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a great alternative. Schools should encourage the use of hand sanitizers, particularly in classrooms and hallways where students may not have easy access to sinks. This quick step can significantly reduce the risk of spreading germs in schools.

• Avoid Touching the Face
  Germs often enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Teaching students to avoid touching their faces, particularly after coming into contact with shared surfaces, is crucial in preventing illness. Reminders can be posted around schools to reinforce this important habit.

School-Wide Practices

• Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting
  Schools need to implement regular cleaning schedules, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment. By consistently disinfecting these areas, the number of germs in schools can be drastically reduced, helping to prevent outbreaks of illness.

• Promoting Hygiene Awareness
  Schools play a critical role in educating students and staff about proper hygiene practices. Hosting workshops or integrating hygiene education into the curriculum can help reinforce the importance of handwashing, sanitizing, and keeping personal items clean.

Using Antimicrobial Products

• Matguard USA’s Solutions
  Matguard USA offers a range of antimicrobial products that are ideal for preventing the spread of germs in schools. Their products, such as antimicrobial body wipes and sprays, are designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi on skin and surfaces.

• How Antimicrobial Wipes and Sprays Work
  Matguard USA’s wipes and sprays can be used on high-touch surfaces, gym mats, desks, and even personal items like backpacks and lunchboxes. By incorporating these products into daily routines, schools can create a cleaner, safer environment where germs in schools have less of a chance to spread.

Recommended Products:

• MATGUARD Athletic Equipment & Surface Wipes
• MATGUARD® Surface Spray (70 % Alcohol) Cleaner RTU- 32oz
• MATGUARD® Surface Spray (RTU) GALLON SIZE-128oz

Implementing these strategies will go a long way in reducing the spread of germs in schools and keeping students healthy throughout the academic year.

Encouraging Healthy Habits 

To effectively reduce the spread of germs in schools, students and staff must practice healthy habits that support a strong immune system and prevent illness. These foundational steps can make a big difference in overall health and the ability to fight off infections.

Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced diet is critical to maintaining a strong immune system, which helps the body fend off germs in schools. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures that students get the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. Proper hydration is equally important, as water helps the body’s immune cells function effectively. Encouraging students to drink enough water throughout the day can support overall wellness and reduce susceptibility to illness.

Sleep and Rest

Adequate sleep is one of the most powerful defenses against germs in schools. Children and teenagers need a full night’s rest to allow their bodies to recover and strengthen their immune systems. Studies show that students who consistently get enough sleep are less likely to contract infections like colds or the flu. Schools and parents should prioritize healthy sleep habits to ensure students are well-rested and ready to learn, without the added risk of getting sick.

Staying Home When Sick

A key strategy to prevent germs from spreading in schools is encouraging students and staff to stay home when they are ill. While it may be tempting to push through a mild illness, staying home prevents the spread of germs to others. Schools should have clear policies that support sick days, helping reduce absenteeism caused by larger outbreaks. By staying home, students and staff protect their classmates and colleagues from potentially contagious illnesses.

The Role of Schools and Parents in Reducing Germs in Schools

Both schools and parents play an essential role in minimizing the spread of germs in schools. Working together, they can create a healthier environment that reduces the risk of students and staff falling ill.

How Schools Can Help 

Schools can implement several policies and practices that significantly reduce the transmission of germs. Establishing hand hygiene stations throughout the building—especially in classrooms, cafeterias, and restrooms—encourages frequent handwashing and sanitizing. In addition, schools should have cleaning protocols that focus on disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, and playground equipment. By cleaning these areas daily, schools can cut down on the number of germs that linger on surfaces and reduce the likelihood of spreading illnesses.

Another way schools can promote hygiene is through educational initiatives. By teaching students the importance of handwashing, coughing into elbows, and using tissues, schools can instill long-lasting habits that prevent the spread of germs in schools.

The Role of Parents

Parents play a crucial part in ensuring kids practice good hygiene both at home and in school. Teaching children how to properly wash their hands, avoid touching their faces, and cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing starts at home. Parents can also ensure that children go to school with personal hygiene products like hand sanitizers and wipes to use throughout the day. Additionally, parents should reinforce the importance of staying home when feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness to other students.

By working together, schools and parents can create a more hygienic environment, reducing the impact of germs in schools and keeping students healthier.

Taking Action Against Germs in Schools

Germs in schools are inevitable, but taking steps to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick. By practicing good habits, supporting school-wide hygiene efforts, and encouraging healthy behaviors at home, both students and staff can help prevent illness and enjoy a healthier school year.

Now that you know how to combat germs in schools, it's time to take action. Encourage your school to adopt proper cleaning protocols and personal hygiene practices, and consider exploring Matguard USA’s range of antimicrobial products for additional protection. From antimicrobial wipes to sprays, Matguard USA offers effective solutions that can help create a cleaner and safer school environment.