Sports activities are great for your child. They’re helpful for promoting fitness, socialization, and learning a new skill.
However, there is potential for the spread of infectious disease via shared equipment.
Common diseases spread in athletics include Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA), Group A Streptococcus, herpes simplex virus, ringworm, athlete’s food, scabies, chicken pox, measles, mumps, and lice.
Speak with your child’s sports trainer. Be sure he is aware of the most common infections related to a particular sport. Examining students before participation is an inexpensive preventative measure. Ask about sanitization of equipment. The cost of improper hygiene is greater than diligence.
Encourage your children to have good personal hygiene. Shower after playing. Keep good hand washing habits. Avoid sharing clothing and water bottles. Launder sports clothes regularly. Wipe off mats and gym equipment after using.
The pre-participation physical for sports should include a thorough history of prior infections and current lesions. Pediatricians can discuss risks for disease through sports participation. Your child’s vaccinations should be current.
Listen as Dr. Dele Davies and Dr. Mary Anne Jackson join Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to keep your child safe from infectious disease while participating in sports.