Preschool teachers- do you often get sick?

[ADisneyQueen]

I'm thinking of going back to work as a teacher in a preschool setting. I haven't worked in that field for 17 years (before my kids were born). One thing that is bothering me is I'm afraid I'm going to get sick a lot working with that age group. It seems the younger ones are always sick. Are there any preschool teachers out there that want to give me advice?

 

[aristocatz]

I'm going on my 8th year working in a preschool. My first year, I was sick all the time-whatever virus, cold, bug was traveling around the building, I got it. I think you develop more of an immunity after the first year. Totally worth it though-I love working at preschool!! Good luck

 

[HeatherC]

I do think you develop immunities but I also think Vitamin D supplements work great during cold and flu season.

 

[ditsypixie]

When I first started teaching preschool right out of college...I was sick, sick that first year. After that, and every year since...its much less or even nothing. I may get a head cold once a year but that's about it. I do take Emergen-C every day as a precaution. My first year, I had a pediatrician's daughter in my class. He said it was like that for him his first year of residency. Your body builds up an immunity to those little buggers! Good luck, you will love it!!

 

[barkley]

back in the day when I taught that age it was the same thing-first year constantly sick but then gradually developed immunities. one tip i'll share that will help you keep from sharing whatever's going around w/the family members in your home-the minute you get home change out of your work clothes and toss them in the hamper. the less contact those clothes have w/your household/household members the lower the risk of sharing every sniffle and bug that comes around.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I remember getting sick a lot before I quiet my preschool job to stay home with my newborn. I'm just worried that if I go back to that job I will get sick again and give the sickness to my husband and daughters. I'm not sure what to do.

 

[scrhsa]

When I worked in a prek classroom and even aiding in k and 1st, I would get colds but never the flu. . My dd now works as a k aide and has had an extra cold or two during the year.