Doctors offer tips to keep kids healthy as respiratory viruses spread at start of school year

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Local doctors say respiratory viruses begin to spread every year as students return to school, and getting the right amount of sleep and eating a balanced diet offer the best protection.

Dr. Aimee Behnke, a Memorial Health pediatrician, said she has seen a lot of COVID, strep throat and RSV cases as students wrap up their first month of school.

Sleep and diet cited as key defenses

Behnke said there are two key things parents can do to help keep their children healthy.

“School-aged children need between 8 and 12 hours of sleep a night, and almost none of them are getting that amount, but sleep is so important to your overall health, so it’ll definitely help keep your body healthy,” Behnke said.

Dr. Kathryn Hargrove, of Holistic Wellness of Savannah, said diet also plays a role in fighting off illness.

“Whole foods, in the diet, the better off you are and that helps their immune system work properly and fight off the infection,” Hargrove said.

Hargrove said packing a child’s lunch with high protein, good fats and food rich in fiber can also support learning.

“It helps your cognitive function, which is your frontal brain, making decisions, being able to focus and pay attention,” Hargrove said.

Vitamins versus whole foods

Behnke said parents often ask her which vitamins can help keep their children healthy. She recommends getting vitamins from food rather than supplements.

“Drinking the juice is like sugar water, so getting the fiber and the water from the fruit would be much healthier, but eat your fruits and veggies, an apple a day might keep the doctor away for a little bit,” Behnke said.

Behnke said parents should keep children home if they catch a virus and should contact their local pediatrician if symptoms do not improve after a few days.