The start of a new school year is rapidly approaching, and there is a particular commercial which
conveys the mood of parents and students nationwide. The scenery for this commercial is an office supply store, where two kids watch with morbid expressions on their faces as their parents glide from isle to isle on their shopping carts knocking school supplies into their carts. While all this is going on parts from a Christmas song can be heard playing in the background. On a more serious note, as you prepare for the new school year you should also educate yourself about the most contracted school related diseases.
The perfect breeding ground for diseases and infection to thrive is in a highly popularized close quarter’s location where there is constant contact such a place as schools. Last year alone infections and diseases account for over 1,000 missed school days. So now you may be wondering what are the most contagious diseases and infections that I should become more knowledgeable about. Listed below are the top 3 most contagious school related disease and infection parents should be aware of.
Influenza
Two years ago there was a massive outbreak of a fatal strain of influenza which left thousands hospitalized and hundreds people dead. Children are more prone than adult to be diagnosed with the flue because their immune systems are still developing. The flu is an airborne bacterial infection which is spread through coughing, sneezing, and coming in contact with something has been coughed or sneezed upon. According to the Department of Health every year 20% of the U.S population will be infected with influenza.
MRSA
The acronym stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aurous, this type of bacterial infection is immune to certain antibiotics. MRSA can lead to minor infections such as chickenpox to more serious infection such as pneumonia. While the causes of MRSA are unknown it is safe to assume that a lack of maintain hygienic habits contributes to the development of MRSA. Symptoms of MRSA include itching, fever, boils, pimples, and bumps, MRSA claims about 19,000 deaths each year.
STD
Elementary & middle school students are less likely to contract a sexual transmitted disease because they haven’t experienced puberty yet. High school students on the other hand constantly have difficulties learning because their hormones go into overdrive. When this happens they are constantly studying the female anatomy and acting foolish to win their approval. Most teens who engage in sexual activities do so as a result of peer pressure and therefore are more likely to engage in UN protective sexual activities. All sexually transmitted diseases are spread through having un protective sex with a person who has a disease. These diseases can be fatal and long lasting if medical treatment isn’t sought after immediately.
In conclusion to all of the information above regarding contagious diseases and infections this lay dormant in your child’s school, you can increase your child’s immunity to these infection by reminding them to routinely preform hygienic duties such as washing your hands after using the restrooms and safe sex.