2. Do not eat or drink after others.

3. Cover you mouth when you cough or sneeze.�Afterward, wash your hands. Some suggest coughing into your sleeve or elbow, however the germs are still on the shirt or skin. This does limit the spread if you can't wash right away.

4. Keep hands away from face. This is a good reason and time to break the nail biting or chewing on pencils habit. We can't always wash our hands after touching a pencil or a desk or holding a friends' hand.

5. Drink plenty of water. This is a good idea for everyone but especially for the football players or others participating in outdoor sports.

6. Get plenty of rest.

7. Eat balanced meals.

8. Exercise regularly.

9. Plan for a flu vaccine. Our supplies should be here in October.

10. Take your Maintenance Medications. If your child has asthma or allergies, make sure he/she is taking his/her maintenance medications. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about them.

Everyone is going to get sick at one time or another. Hopefully, these tips will keep it to a minimum. Have a wonderful school year.

- Tereasa A. Ballay, M.D.

ABC Pediatrics