I am haunted with the thought of the germiest potential illness causing thing that my child got in contact with; at the water fountain, the gym, the cafeteria or just shared something with somebody who is already carrying germs.

I am haunted with the thought of lingering symptoms and troubles that bother the child over days.

I am haunted with the complete overhaul in schedules that goes because of the sick kid being home.

This is no end. What follows is even more stressful!

Yes, you are right! That uncanny feeling of guilt that sets in.

What wrong did I do?

Did I not stop him from having that glass of cold drink that caused the bad throat?

; or just that I have not done my enough to strengthen the immune system of my child!

As parents, we live in this constant fear of our kids contracting illness specially from school. After all, there is no place more contagious than school in spreading illness of all kinds.

It’s not possible to completely eliminate kids from getting sick. Even if we take a reasonable number of steps, it’s quite normal for kids to get sick a couple of times. However, there are some of the preventive measures that could be taken to avoid sickness.

Ensuring that the entire family gets their annual flu shot. The recommended season for getting the flu vaccine is early in fall i.e. by October so that the protection continues throughout the flu season.

Teaching proper hand washing technique to kids which includes scrubbing for 20 seconds and rinsing and drying with a dry paper towel. Also, ensuring that kids wash hands specially before and after meals, after using washroom and coming back from outdoors.

Including healthy fruits and vegetables that boost immune including vitamin C (oranges, blueberries, papaya) probiotics (greek yogurt), glutamine (tuna, spinach, tofu) and above all making them stay properly hydrated.

Communicating preventive etiquette involving proper covering while coughing, sneezing and nose blowing. Also, avoiding sharing supplies, food and anything that might spread germs.

Taking care when using water fountain that includes avoiding contact with the spout and running water for few seconds before drinking.

Getting plenty of rest and sleep (around nine to twelve hours for kids). Sleep deprivation can make kids three times more prone to getting cold, according to research.

Avoiding sending to school if the child just doesn’t seem normal and checking with the school regarding the return policies if in doubt.

Consulting paediatrician if any of the symptoms are followed by a lack of appetite, lethargy or a distinct change in mood, which could signal something more serious is developing.

Finally, staying calm and thanking goodness after every recovery.