Just like back to school time in September, the return from such a long break such as Christmas holidays, typically means that there will be a run of cold and flu. It’s like the back-to-school plague, a well-known hot spot for germs which we all dread.
One of the biggest spreading of sickness culprits is kids being around a lot of new people who they haven’t been around before, and in close contained quarters. They touch the same door handles, drinking fountains, crayons, and touch each other – sharing germs all day long. Sometimes it seems like the return to school is always followed by a leave from school due to illness.
A 2016 Shoppers Drug Mart poll found that 46% are not generally concerned about spreading the flu to other people. No wonder we all experience so much back-to-school sickness! This poll also found that 30% of adults who have children, have sent their kids to school or daycare when they were sick or contagious, and 86% of parents said they are annoyed when others send their sick kids to school or daycare.
I think it’s time to share some Sick Kids Etiquette Tips!
Know the cutoff point for fevers – children should stay home if their temperature passes 100 degrees. They should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school/play dates.
Be honest with other parents – When kids have scheduled birthday parties and other outings, you’re responsible for disclosure so the other parents if your child has been or is sick, they should have a choice in whether their kids are exposed to known illness.
Teach your kids the basics – using tissues for runny noses, coughing into sleeves and washing hands are all things kids can do fairly easily to halt the spread of germs. It’s a good idea to brush up on ways to boost your immune system too!
Get vaccinated – no matter where you stand on proper etiquette, flu shots should be part of the plan. You’ll get peace of mind your children likely won’t be spreading the flu and they won’t be tracking it home either. Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies across the country are making it easy by offering flu immunizations administered by an injection-certified pharmacist without an appointment, just walk-in with no appointment necessary.
Don’t forget, when your child gets sick with the flu, keeping them home from school can help them recover faster. It also helps prevent the virus from spreading to other children in the school, which is critical to keeping everyone as healthy as possible.
One Canadian reader will win a prize pack from Shoppers Drug Mart.
With a value of $150, it includes the following items:
- Life Brand Hand Sanitizer
- Cough Drops
- Vaporizing Cold Rub
- Electrolyte Maintenance Powder
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Vaporizer
- PC chicken noodle soup
- PC facial tissues
- PC Feeling Soothed Tea
- $100 gift card
TO ENTER: Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
Disclosure: I am compensated for my part in the #SDMFluFighters program, all opinions are my own.
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Xiao liu says
I always make sure to make homemade chicken noodle soup and lotf of fluids with citrus!
Danielle says
I try to get lots of rest and wash my hands often.
Tara Betterley says
I have lots of hand sanitizer on hand, and I get their flu shots every year.
Samantha says
Wash your hands! The number 1 preventative measure you can take and do it often.
nicky says
I agree about cancelling playdates or visits if children are sick, because germs are so easily transferred. Washing our hands well is something we do to avoid getting sick.
Elaine G says
Coughing and sneezing into arm, washing hands frequently and using hand sanitzer
Sharon says
We wash our hands often and try to drink lots of liquids
jan says
It is a rule to wash your hands immediately after coming in the house.
Judy Cowan says
We get our flu shots, lots of handwashing & extra vitamins to help keep the flu away.
Dianne Arsenault says
Wash your hands often
Debbie F says
Rest and washing hands as often as possible.
Catherine Cole says
washing my hands often
Sara Lima says
I try not to touch my face and eyes and nose – and it’s HARD. We do it like a bajillion times a day, and it’s a great way (read: terribly easy) to get sick. I also try to wash my hands frequently with hot water and soap, and always carry tissues.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I get my fly shot every year and also take vitamins daily. Another good thing to do is wash your hands a lot.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
that should of course read flu shot LOL
Glogirl says
I try to ward off the cold and flu by boosting my immune system with a multi-vitamin. I also try to use hand sanitizer when I am out and about.
Louise says
wash our hands often and when they do get sick. Home made chicken noodle soup and lots of rest works
BlessedTA says
I wash my hands often
Vivi B. says
I always wash my hands after coming home from anywhere, especially shopping and I also try to have a good night’s sleep as it keeps my immune system up.
Jonnie says
You mentioned all of my sick kid etiquette tips. To ward off illness use hand sanitizer, disinfect doorknobs and switches and try to get plenty of sleep.
Amy Heffernan says
I make sure we drink lots of fluids.
Carole D. says
Wash your hands often and don’t forget to disinfect the door handles.
Janet P. says
The importance of washing your hands often throughout the day cannot be stressed enough. You should be able to recall 5 times you’ve washed your hands each day.
Lynda Cook says
I make sure to have lots of kleenex’s on hand along with Boogie wipes, and my granddaughter loves the sniffle stick and it helps her breath, she prefers using it over vicks!
Amy C says
We get flu shots and wash are hands often.
Marsha says
Always make hot chicken soup and give lots of liquids.
ivy pluchinsky says
I use lots of hand sanitizer when I am on the road, and wash my hands a lot when I am at home.
Florence Cochrane says
Take vitamins, wash your hands and don’t drink out of the same beverage container as anyone else.
Lisa Rumolo says
I wash my hands alot and keep hydrated
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
we dont go out and share germs when sick – and we wash our hands often
Kelsey D says
Coughing or sneezing into your arm is a must!
kristy e says
We change clothes after school and practice good hand washing!
Zayba says
Each have their own hand sanitizer. Got a few around the house as well. Taught them young not to sneeze/cough in their hand so we’re all good on that front! Always up their vitC and echinacea this time of year!!!!
Rosanne Robinson says
We wash & sanitize our hands the minute we get home, stay hydrated, take daily vitamins, get at least 8 hours sleep and whenever possible avoid contact with sick people.
Alayne Langford says
I think that washing hands frequently and drinking clear fluids at least keeps colds and flu under control 😊
kristen visser says
Just coming off the whole family having the flu, for us it is all about rest, taking it easy and drinking lots of liquids
Carol M says
Frequent hand washing is my tip.
Casey Miller says
Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Jenn says
We ward off cold and flu by making sure we get enough sleep and eat antioxidant rich foods.
Karine says
Try to not infest others and stay home to get rest!
Debbie White Beattie says
As for etiquette I would say “cough into the inside of your elbow” so you aren’t spreading germs in the air and not when your touching someone. How do I avoid a cold or flu; I get a flu shot, eat healthy, wash my hands often and get lots of sleep
Tina L. says
frequent hand washing, lots of fluids and rest
Tainan Lu says
Get flu shots and take vitamins.
Dianne G. says
When someone is sick in the house I take away the hand towels in the bathroom and put paper towels in their place. I also use Lysol wipes on all the light switches, door knobs and other surfaces that are often touched and do this several times a day. I make sure the person that is sick has lots of fluids close to them, blankets, and lots of tissues with a garbage close to dispose of them.
missbobloblaw says
We always wash our hands & stay home when we have fevers!
Amie says
Not only should you keep the kids out of school , but other things like after school activities and places with other kids, its always awful to miss hockey or dance or what ever , but its not fair to the other kids and people
Andrea Amy says
We eat as much fresh produce as we can even during the winter, drink lots of water, dress for the weather, get enough rest and wash our hands. When we do catch something, I use vicks vapour rub immediately, and lots of orange juice, gingerale and rest.
Susan Spidle says
I use lots of tissues, hand sanitizer, vitamin c and chicken noodle soup.
Juliee Fitze says
I take extra vita C &D to stay healthy.
Laurent L says
To help ward off the flu and colds I exercise daily and keep hydrated.
Carol Denny says
Take vitamins,lots of hand washing and the flu shot
Kim K says
We have a strict hand washing routine, we take vitamins and we drink lots of clear fluids.
Marya says
Drink lots, and get LOTS of sleep!
MaryG says
I try my best to get everyone to wash their hands, and drink extra fluids. It’s easier said than done sometimes.
Moe Bwell says
I try to get them to wash there hands more often,and keep there heads covered, but if sick, lots of rest, and fluids
Ali p says
They stay home from school, or at the first sign of cold or flu, they take Emergen-C!
Stephanie LaPlante says
My doctor always said Gatorade or PowerAde is full of electrolytes and has the same ingredients as the foul tasting kid’s medicated juice has. Much cheaper too.
Shelley N says
This is one of the only years that I did not stop in to get a flu shot and I have been sick since Sat night. I can’t recall the last time I felt this bad. I usually ward off cold and flu by getting a flu shot, eating lots of fruit, and drinking plenty of fluids. If I do get a cold or flu -chicken soup is helpful, cold medicine, Neocitrin (or the equivalent can help me get some sleep overnight). vitamin c is good too
lori butler says
liquids, hand washing, and snuggles
Jennifer L. says
Daily vitamin D for everyone in my family is really important. That, plus healthy food and frequent hand-washing is all we need.
Christy E says
I ward off the flu by washing and sanitizing my hands a lot!
Cheryl MacPhail says
I try and get them to drink ots of fluid and wash their hands lots 🙂
Marla says
Good hand hygiene
travelbuds says
My kids know to cough into their arm and washing their hands always.
Tamara M says
We try to get lots of rest, always wash our hands, and remind our kids to cough or sneeze into their elbow and not into their hands! Thank you very much for the chance! 🙂
Stephanie says
Always wash your hands, drink lots of water, eat healthy, take vitamins, and get the flu shot!
SweetPanda says
I try to wash my hands frequently, drink lots of water and take vitamin C
409cope says
I get the flu shot every year and take vitamin C to help ward off colds and flu.
Luisa M. says
I give electrolyte drinks and fresh coconut water in addition to filtered water.
Tricia Hope says
I carry hand sanitizer and use it multiple times a day.
caryn s says
I am constantly asking the kids to wash hands when we get in the house and take vitamins to help keep them healthy. When sick there is nothing better than homemade chicken soup and tea with honey!
Erika E says
We start taking oil of oregano at the first sign of cold or flu. We’ve been doing this for a few years now and it’s made a big difference in the length an illness lasts and how bad it gets.
Lisa McLain says
vitamins and lots of fresh fruit and veggies !
dave says
Wash your hands! eat zink vitamins when it starts
Maritess says
I teach my kids to sneeze or cough on their elbows instead of their hands as to minimize spread of germs.
Lori L. says
My sick kid etiquette tip is to not send your obviously sick kid to school or daycare – keep those germs at home!
Tara says
If my kids are sick they stay home from school. No one wants to be spreading and picking up germs at school. Lots of hand washing and rest around our house.
sage says
I ward off colds and flu by washing my hands often
Tammy Bell says
It wasn’t long after school started that my child began to come home sick (almost weekly) I kept her home, gave her tissue, told her to cough or sneeze into her arm, make sure to wash hands and not to get close to those with sniffles and coughs.
Francine says
Get the flu shot and wash your hands often!
Carole B says
Drinking a lot and using essentials oils in the rooms
Andrea says
I am constantly washing my hands, I take vitamins and drink plenty of water so I don’t get sick.
Nicole Jubleew says
We wash our hands often, try to eat healthy most of the time, spend a bit of time outside everyday and ensure that we’re getting enough sleep!
joanne darrell says
We get as much rest as possible to ward off the flu.
Gillian Morgan says
We wash our hands often and use hand sanitizer often. We also get out flu shots as soon as they are available each year.
Piroska says
I try to keep colds and flu at bay by washing my hands constantly.
kathy downey says
Drink lots of water,healthy foods and rest helps with the flu
Jenny Major says
I try to get lots of rest and wash my hands often
Jenness M says
I wash my hands religiously and use hand sanitizer.
Melissa dupuis says
Wash hands often, cover mouth when coughing, and make sure not to share cups lol
Thank you for sharing all this information. Very helpful this time of year.
Melinda Jana says
drink lots of water, wash hands and get the flu shot
Maria says
We make sure kids wash hands often, take vitamins and eat more fruit and veggies during the winter. I also wash their mittens/hats and coats weekly as so many germs can grow on them
Maryanne says
Lots and lots of hand washing!
Ira says
I’m crazy about making sure my kids wash their hands well and often. Obviously I’m a good example myself.
loriag says
We try and stay away from the flu by washing out hands lots. Using hand sanitizer out in public, not shaking hands and getting plenty of rest.
tracy k says
washing my hands frequently and drink lots of fluids
Tiff says
Lots of fluids and lots of rest!
Athena says
Hand washing, hand sanitizer and vitamins.
Lucy says
Hands must be washed frequently, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Jennifer Lo says
Drink lots of warm water
Lee-Ann says
I try to get the kids to wash their hands right after school when they are the most germy!
Soozle says
Hand washing before meals, when getting home from being out, if someone else is sick is first and foremost to prevent it spreading!
yvonne says
I make sure my kid (and myself) get more sleep, remind my daughter not to ‘share’ her water bottle, and we wash our hands (singing the alphabet).
Kristy says
We wash our hands often. We also stay home if someone is sick, even if it means missing out on something fun.
Melinda says
Washing hands frequently and getting enough exercise helps me ward off the flu.
Shelley R says
I always have hand sanitizer with me. We wash our hands as often as possible everywhere.
Mary Boudreau says
Getting the flu shot and frequent hand washing is essential to preventing the flu
Rhonda W G. says
We take oregano oil daily…Swear by it!
LILLIAN BROWN says
washing hands often and drinking lots of water is a must at Grammy’s house.
Tammy Dalley says
get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids
Angela Saver says
I ward off cold and flu by practicing regular handwashing, getting adequate sleep, getting my flu shot and using hand sanitizer when away from home.
Darrah Bailey says
I tell my kids (other than wash their hands) to NOT touch their faces to avoid germ spread.. Seems funny but it WORKS!
Jamie hall says
Hand washing is my number one tup and covering your mouth when you cough
Amy Lovell says
we take multivitamins and orange naturals to boost our immune system
Nate Fuller says
Since we have a parent at home during the day we are pretty quick to let a kid stay home if they seem like they are past the sniffles and cough stage. I can see how you might have a hard time if both parents work, but really that’s the thing we do. Sending the kid to spread the sickness further is no good for parents or teachers!
Elva Roberts says
My children are adults now so I will talk about warding off cold and flu.
My husband and I get an annual flu shot. I try to have a healthy diet for us with protein, fruit and vegetables. Of course, we have the odd treat.
I am getting in the exercise mode after the business of Christmas. I walk and am getting into the practise of Yoga and stretching again.
Getting enough rest is necessary as well. When one is feeling healthy, life is very good.
Pearl Saban says
Lots of handwashing and using hand sanitizers. Taking Vitamin C.
Dar says
WAshing hands first and foremost! also i find doing the bedding once a week keeps germs off our pillowcasees!
Karla Sceviour says
I try to ward off the cold and flu by constantly washing my hands,and telling the other family members to do so as well!
Katrina says
I was my hands a lot.
Monique L.S. says
I have my daughter wash her hands as soon as she gets in from school. We try to eat healthy foods, and keep hydrated. Getting enough sleep helps as well.
Vicki Hill says
Hand washing us absolutely essential for me. Never touch your face when you’re out to ching door handles etc.,
Sarah alexis says
I keep him home from school so he doesn’t infect everyone else!!!
Lisa H says
We wash our hands frequently and I remind my child not to put his fingers in mouth.
lori n. says
Washing hands is so important this time of the year. and try to remind the kids not to touch their faces, eyes, nose, mouth during an outbreak. Yeah, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the germs!
Janet M says
We make sure to wash hands regularly and to eat well and have plenty of fluids.
Catherine Brown says
Keep everyone’s hands washed and clean surfaces like light switches, door knobs.
LisaM says
Our son seemed to learn from day one at day care that you only cough or sneeze into your elbow. He’s corrected people on the bus lol
Sharron says
Wash your hands lots
Elsie MacLeod says
We have to be very careful with little ones and keep on top of any symptoms they have.
Heather Ritz says
use hand sanitizer and dink lots of fluids
Angela Mitchell says
We are really conscientious when it comes to illness. We stay home because I do not want to spread those germs around. I had a 4 month old who was so sick with a cold/flu virus that he nearly had to be hospitalized and I don’t want to put anyone else through that.
maria says
Lots of handwashing, lots of sleep, eating well and lots of water!
Donnas says
Making sure to always wash our hands, and sneezing into a tissue, not our hands. And home-made chicken soup works wonders too.
Victoria K says
Cough into your elbow and wash hands often.
Linda H says
I usually get a flu shot, frequent handwashing , use Isogel and carry a small container in my purse.
wendy hutton says
I get plenty of rest, fluids, take my vitamins and eat right.
leanne says
Wash hands regularly and keep a good sleep schedule.
Elva Roberts says
When my children were sick, I kept them is a couch in a warm kitchen. I gave them cough medecine and children’s tyenol.
For myself, I get a flu shot every fall. I try to eat healthy and exercise. I stay at home when I have a cold. I follow my doctor’s instructions.
mike k says
when you sneeze, sneeze into your arm so you don’t spread your germs to your firends and family
Wendy Jensen says
I keep my sick kids away from others so they don’t get sick too.
Mandy says
I always get my kid and myself to wash our hands whenever we come in from outdoors, or finish playing with communal toys/playgrounds.
l p says
wash your hands, well and often. thanks
Pam says
I am a little anal about using a touch of bleach while cleaning, especially if I feel like something is coming on.
Kim Tanti says
Keep the hands clean. I even send individual wipes with lunch and make sure they use them.
Chantal thibault-fray says
Washing hands, keeping all surfaces disinfected, Plenty of rest, lots of liquids!
Brenda Lacourciere says
We encourage good handwashing practices. The best way to ward off colds is to not get the germ in the first place.
mohammad anjum says
drink lots of liquids
Janice Cournoyer says
Hand washing is the single most imnportant defense on preventing the spread of germs. I have signs everywhere:)))
Jeanette Jackson says
We get the flu shot and wash our hands frequently
Tracy Morin says
I try to get plenty of rest and I usually take a shot of Triple Sec…just to make me feel better 😉
Wanda Tracey says
I take vitamins,drink plenty of water,wash my hands frequently and
i use sanitizer wipes for my phone and computer,ETC.
Anne-Marie Tvete says
Don’t have little ones at home anymore, but for myself I wash my hands frequently and wash down surfaces/handles/door knobs etc when my husband is the one that is sick.
caroline m. says
We use oil of oregano under our feet at night to open our airways and breath better
Cady says
We make sure to cancel any plans we have when the kiddos are sick! We wash hands often and sanitizer is all around the house. We use essential oils as well!
Rose says
It is my pet peve when parents send their kids to events why they are sparking a high fever.
Darwin Chau says
We keep the kids at home when they are sick and definitely cancel any outtings with others. We make sure they are coughing into their elbows and washing hands.
Erin McSweeney says
make sure you drink lots of water and wash your hands to try to keep the germs away
Jennifer P. says
I always keep my kids home from everything if they have a fever – no school, no parties, no play dates etc. I teach them to wash their hands a lot, to sneeze into their elbows, cover their mouths to cough, to not share food or drinks, and to blow their noses into kleenex and then wash theirs hands right after. It’s a little hard to keep them home from school with every little cold, because they would miss a lot of school if they stayed home with every sniffle, so I usually send them unless they have a fever. That being said, my preschooler hasn’t mastered sneezing, coughing or blowing her nose correctly, so if she has a really runny nose, or is coughing and/or sneezing a LOT, then I do keep her home from preschool. I’d rather not make everyone else’s kid sick!!
Joan Brown says
I always wash my hands frequently.
Rachel Cryer says
Wash your hands.. and lots of liquids
Jolie says
I wash & sterilize my hands like crazy in the winter & avoid sick people like the plague 🙂
JULIA G says
I ward off cold and flu by affording unnecessary contact with people (shaking hands, that sort of thing)
Tricia Cooper says
I try to get enough sleep and eat well. I also scrub my hands like a surgeon and wash my water bottle everyday.
Debh says
Wash those hands and always cough into the crook of your arm
Josie Tusa says
Washing hands constantly and using Purell often when out.
ginette4 says
I ward off cold and flu by washing my hands often..staying away and telling people not to visit when they are sick and always carry purel in my purse
Sunshine G says
We’ve been using those Boogie Wipes with the baby and they’re fantastic!
Angela September says
i don’t send my kids to school when they are sick. i also make sure they cough into their elbow and keep their hands clean
Barb W says
Sleep is a great way to ward sickness off!
Wanda Tracey says
I wash my hands frequently and I also get the flu shot
to prevent getting the flu!! 🌸☀️
melissa hilton says
It usually depends on the sickness, usually rest, soup, and if he has a cough then we do a honey and lemon mix to help that
Jody D says
Flu shots for us every year and try to keep more fruits and citrus in our winter diets
kale p says
if you’re not feeling well and the visits isn’t imperative – do everyone a favour and don’t go. thx
debbie s says
by proper handwashing all day
krystyl olson says
Keep them home if they are sick, and encourage good handwashing always (not just when sick, as it helps prevent illness too!)
HEIDI C. says
We are big on handwashing in our house and hand sanitizer on the go.
Betty S says
we do our best to stay out of situations that may cause illness, and if we do need to go into a situation we wash our hands frequently and make sure we eat healthy
leana says
Drink loads of fluids and wash your hands often!
KellyPC says
I try to stay away from sick people! lol
& I wash my hands! lots!
Leslie C says
I keep hand sanitizer in my purse & try to avoid Doctors offices & the hospital….that’s where people get sick from Flu quite often!
Brandon says
Make sure to sneeze and cough into elbow. Take vitamin c and drink tea.
Aarone Mawdsley says
always cover mouth when coughing
Lindsay T says
I try to ward off cold and flu by washing my hands often & taking Emergen-C at the first sign of not feeling well.
Bons says
Keep hands clean by washing often and get flu shot at beginning of flu season.