7 Best Tips to Stay Healthy and Avoid Illnesses as a Teacher

Though kids are adorable, they're also little germ balls constantly exposed to other children's illnesses at school and day care. They love to do things like blow their noses and put everything in their mouths, whether it's soap or other objects. With that in mind, let’s give teachers a round of applause. Getting sneezed on, coughed on, and snotted on is practically as much a part of their job description as it is for doctors and nurses. Here are the best tips from medical experts and teachers on how to stay healthy.

Clean Your Hands Well and Often

“I wash my hands frequently,” says Anita P., a 62-year-old elementary school teacher in Pepperell, Massachusetts. This is a great move since proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of infectious illnesses. Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, emphasizes that washing your hands is incredibly effective at stopping the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The process is straightforward: wet your hands with running water, apply soap, and work up a good lather. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse with running water, and dry your hands thoroughly. If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol can be used.

Teachers in the know, like Jessica B. in West Chester, Pennsylvania, keep hand sanitizer at the entrance of their classrooms. This makes it easier for everyone to keep their hands clean, reducing the risk of spreading germs.

Disinfect Your Surfaces Often

Almost all teachers we spoke to frequently use disinfecting wipes, especially during winter, when illnesses are more prevalent. According to the CDC, when a sick person speaks, coughs, or sneezes, they can expel droplets of flu or cold viruses that can land on surfaces. If you then touch these surfaces and put your hands in your nose, mouth, or eyes, you can become ill. The CDC recommends wiping down surfaces, especially when sicknesses are going around, to reduce your exposure to germs and cut down on your risk of catching something.

Don't Go Overboard on Cleanliness

While it's crucial to keep surfaces clean, avoid going overboard. “An overly sterile environment just sets people up for their immune systems to overreact when they're exposed to bacteria and viruses,” says Dr. Amesh A. Adalja. Katy H., a 36-year-old high school teacher in Wilmington, Delaware, takes it easy on cleaning and doesn't over-sanitize anything. It's important for your immune system to encounter pathogens to learn how to resist them. Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease specialist in Akron, Ohio, explains, “Adults who are frequently exposed to viruses that cause upper respiratory infections can develop antibodies against them.”

Avoid Touching Commonly Used Surfaces

Kiersten S., a 39-year-old high school teacher in Lewes, Delaware, uses her elbows and hips to open doors whenever possible. Jessica R., a 36-year-old elementary school teacher in Timonium, Maryland, tries to avoid germy water fountains. These methods can help because you avoid getting microorganisms onto your hands. However, Dr. Adalja warns that these practices will only get you so far. Occasionally slipping up is fine, especially if you're constantly in a germ-laden environment.

Consider Changing When You Get Home

Bacteria and viruses can hitch a ride on your clothes from work. Susan P., a 50-year-old preschool teacher in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, changes out of her clothes as soon as she gets home. “In general, doing this is going to decrease the amount of bacteria and viruses you're exposed to,” says Dr. Adalja. Whether this is helpful ultimately depends on your work environment and the number of people you interact with. If you work in a school or a packed public transportation, this can be a smart idea. However, for those who work in a healthier setting, this might not make as significant a difference.

Get Between Seven and Nine Hours of Sleep a Night

Courtney M., a 28-year-old middle school teacher in Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium, always tries to get a decent amount of sleep. Dr. Adalja explains that your immune system works best when you regularly get enough rest. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that the average adult sleep between seven to nine hours a night. If you're getting fewer than that, you might be compromising your immune system. If sleep problems are an issue, talk to your doctor.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Karry B., a 41-year-old elementary school teacher in Oxford, Pennsylvania, always tries to keep her hands off her face, especially her mouth and eyes. Dr. Adalja notes that most upper respiratory viruses enter through the nasal passages, mouth, or eyes. “The more you're touching these areas, the greater your risk.”

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help you minimize your chances of getting sick, especially if you're a teacher. While no one can completely avoid illness, these simple practices can significantly reduce your risk.