Most schoolchildren tend to get three to six viral illnesses a year -- usually when the seasons change, as with the onset of the monsoon, or of winter. If you and your kids can follow these rules, you'll all have a healthier school year.

1. Soap up. Germs live a hand-to-mouth, -nose, or -eye existence. Keep your kids' hands clean, and they'll stay well. In an American study of 6000 school kids, regular hand washing-cut absenteeism 20 percent. It might seem too simple, but plain soap and water really work!
   
2. Hands off! Back up the frequent-washing plan by reminding your kids to keep their hands off their faces as much as possible.
   
3. Get some fresh air. Encourage your kids to play outside -- even if it's a bit cold. Kids don't "catch cold" from cool weather. Studies suggest even the traditional winter colds may result from people spending more time indoors.
   
4. Get plenty of sleep. Researchers have found that sleep deprivation increases our susceptibility to colds.
   
5. Just say no. If your child's best friend's mum says her son has the sniffles, cancel your child's play time with him.