President of Pediatric Society of Ghana, Dr. Hilda Mantebea Boye has cautioned parents against sending unwell children to school, warning that the close-contact nature of toddler classrooms makes them high-risk environments for the spread of viral infections such as colds and coughs.

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, January 20, Dr Mantebea Boye said the school environment, particularly at the early childhood level, is often difficult to manage because children interact closely and are not always under full control.

“The school environment is always tricky because you are not always in control,” she said. “There are many other children who come to school with different infections.”

According to her, it is common to find several children in the same toddler classroom experiencing similar symptoms at the same time. “In some of these classes, about three or four children, depending on the total number, may have a cold or cough at a particular time,” she explained.

She noted that most of these infections are viral and tend to spread quickly among young children. “Once it turns out to be viral, it will go round a lot,” she said, adding that preventing close contact among toddlers is often unrealistic. “The younger they are, the more likely they are to be in each other’s faces all the time.”

Dr Mantebea Boye stressed that proper ventilation is key to reducing the spread of infections in classrooms. “What will really help this age group is enough ventilation,” she said. “Good ventilation helps to reduce the burden of viruses in the classroom.”

She also highlighted the importance of hygiene and basic courtesy, explaining that “Children should be taught to wash their hands with soap and water after touching surfaces or the floor,” she said.

“If possible, teach them that when someone has a cold, they shouldn’t go too close, although this is sometimes difficult with younger children.”

At home, she encouraged parents to support these efforts. “When they return from school, let them wash their hands, change their clothes, and take a bath. That is very helpful,” she advised.

Dr Mantebea Boye further emphasised the role of nutrition in building children’s immunity. “Good nutrition helps improve their immune system,” she said. “Give them balanced meals and fruits.”

She noted that many parents are not overly alarmed when their children have colds because such illnesses are usually viral and self-limiting. “Most parents are not worried because it is viral, and these viral infections will take their course,” she explained. “Usually, within two weeks, the cough or cold is gone.”

However, she strongly urged parents to keep sick children at home to recover fully. “Parents should let their children stay at home when they are unwell,” she said. “The school is not a hospital.”

She added that parents who are busy should make alternative arrangements. “If parents are busy, they should get help or assistance instead of sending a sick child to school,” Dr Hilda said.

Her comments come amid ongoing concerns about the frequent spread of viral infections in early childhood classrooms and renewed calls for stronger collaboration between parents and schools to safeguard children’s health.