Abilene medical experts give health tips for back to school

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Summer is winding down, and school doors are opening for Taylor County students, some of whom have already started the first quarter. While excitement is high for the return to the classroom, experts remind families to prioritize health, as the new school year also brings a rise in germs.

“We always get a very big rush the first week or second week right after school starts. A lot of times, it’s just a routine cold or rhinovirus. I will say that we do generally see a whole lot of strep,” McClintock said.

Vicki Patton and Stephen McClintock with My Emergency Room 24/7 in Abilene said it’s more than just washing your hands and coughing into your elbow to stay healthy.

“They need to have a good rest. Good meals and good nutrition. Make sure you’re increasing the amount of protein that they’re getting. Getting out of the sun. Can you now undervalue how important that is that you know prompts the production of vitamin D,” McClintock said.

Family nurse practitioner with Abilene Taylor County Public Health District, Hailey Watson, said spreading germs can happen quicker than you think, and with the recent weather the Big Country has seen, another medication may need to be taken

“Things like flu, common cold, those are a lot easier to spread faster because sometimes you don’t feel so bad, especially with the common cold. You don’t have a fever, but you’re coughing, sneezing, and then you’re out there going to school, and those droplets are just spreading,” Watson said. “We’ve seen a higher pollen count because of the rain and everything. So, lots more allergies right now. Long-acting allergy medications that are over the counter, like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra, are great and can be given daily.”

They also recommend washing your hands properly using warm water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.