Kids may have trouble keeping up with possessions like coats, sporting equipment and homework, but one thing they tend to find without fail at school is germs. There are several common infections - and even parasites - that your kids can pick up as a result of being in close quarters with their classmates. Many are annoying, gross and inconvenient, but some can be life-threatening. Educate yourself on the germs your kid is up against every day and how to avoid them. Common, less serious infections like the common cold and rotavirus - that nasty bug that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever - can be nipped with proper hand-washing techniques. Teach your child to use warm water and soap and to wash for at least 20 seconds. If it's not already provided, outfit your child's classroom with gel hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes for hard surfaces that get touched a lot. Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is another common infection kids can pick up from one another. If your child has pinkeye, then he'll probably need to stay home a few days until he's not contagious anymore - it's highly communicable, and most schools insist kids stay home for two or three days when they have it. Another annoying, contagious condition is head lice, a parasite that infests the scalp and hair.
While it's not life-threatening, getting rid of the tiny buggers is a lengthy process. An over-the-counter product kills the lice, and you must comb the child's hair every other day or so until lice are gone. All bedding and carpets should be cleaned in hot water to eliminate lice in the home, and usually, doctors will recommend you treat all members of the household. Most schools recommend keeping kids with any sort of rash home - rashes can signify a number of contagious diseases including measles, chicken pox, hand, mouth and foot disease, and fifth disease. Serious communicable diseases, such as whooping cough, meningitis and hepatitis A, are making a comeback among schoolchildren. It's always a good rule of thumb when your child is sick to visit the doctor, especially if you know he's been exposed.