CAMILLA, GA (WALB) - Mitchell County Health Department leaders said parents should be aware of the spread of sicknesses at the start of the school year.
The Mitchell County Health Department Nurse Manager Christi Dixon said making sure your kids are getting into the routine of washing their hands for 20 seconds could help prevent them from getting sick or spreading it to other kids.
Health leaders said kids could contract a stomach virus, the common cold, the flu and lice during the school year.
The staff said kids are more prone to contract sicknesses because they share items.
Health officials said it's important to make sure parents pack hand sanitizer for their children. They said the proper amount of rest along with a well-balanced diet should help their immune systems fight ailments.
"Get the kids in bed early. Good nutrition. Three meals a day with the fruits and vegetables that they need and also good hand washing helps keep them from getting sick and prevent viruses," said Dixon.
The nurse also said it's important for your kids to get their vaccinations.
Mitchell County health officials are encouraging parents to make sure their children have all their vaccinations by the end of Friday or by Monday.
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