What to know about measles, sick days and back-to-school medicine cabinet essentials

Measles cases are skyrocketing in the U.S., reaching 1,288 confirmed cases across 39 states and three deaths as of July 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is not the news parents want to have right before the school year, but it's the reality the U.S. is facing.

Back-to-school season always ushers in new germs, but it is more important than ever to protect your children and yourself. From measles to the common cold, there are ways to prepare so you can spot the symptoms and help keep your family's immune system strong to fight illnesses. The USA Today Shopping team sat down with Dr. Caroline Weingart, a Nationwide Children's Hospital pediatric expert to talk about the back-to-school season.

Measles outbreak

Most of the measles cases currently reported in the U.S. are in people under the age of 19, representing 65% of all cases. That puts your student in the crosshairs, whether they're going into Kindergarten or high school. The positive news is the 92% of those cases are in people who are unvaccinated.

"Parents should know that most effective way to prevent the measles is the measles vaccine," Dr. Weingart said.

If you're following your child's regular schedule of immunizations, it's likely that they have received both doses of the measles vaccine by the time they start school. But, for the younger ones, in the Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 range, you might need to check your child's immunization records.

"To be fully protected, children need two doses, one given as 12 to 15 months and then the next one at four to six years of age," Dr. Weingart said. "Before children start school, it is recommended that they receive both doses."

How to fight germs: Protect yourself from the common cold and the flu

But, measles isn't the only concern. Your child is going to be around new adults and new kids and all of the germs that each one carries. There are a few ways to keep them as healthy as you can.

Hand washing

According to the Harvard Health, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can remove up to 99.9% of germs.

"The most important thing is handwashing," Dr. Weingart said. "Make sure that they're washing their hands when they come home from school and before they eat."

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Getting some rest

"Another thing that is helpful for making sure that kids stay healthy is a good night's sleep every single night."

The CDC recommends a different amount of sleep depending on the age of your child. Here's a general breakdown:

• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years) need 10 to 13 hours
• School-aged children (6 to 12 years) need 9 to 12 hours
• Teenagers (13 to 18 years) need 8 to 10 hours
• Adults (18+ years) need 7 to 9 hours

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Consider a multivitamin for an extra boost

You might think a multivitamin is providing an extra boost, but it's not guaranteed that your child actually needs one. Consulting with your pediatrician or family doctor is the best way to know for sure.

"I always tell families if their child is eating a varied diet, they don't necessarily need a multivitamin, but every child is different," Dr. Weingart said. "Definitely, parents should talk to their pediatrician to see if one might be recommended for their child."

When to keep your student home

The worst has happened, your child is telling you that they don't feel well. It's important to know when your child should be staying home for the day.

"If your child has a fever of 100.4 degrees or more, they definitely need to stay home from school for at least 24 hours after the last fever," Dr. Weingart said.

We know this is easier said than done, when parents are juggling so much, but to stop the spread of germs, it's important to keep kids home if they're showing symptoms, even something as simple as a fever.

"In general, if your child is not feeling well, if they're coughing or vomiting, they also need to stay home from school to prevent the spread of illness."

Prepare your medicine cabinet

Back-to-school season has become synonymous with the supplies list handed out by schools, but one thing that often gets overlooked is stocking up your medicine cabinet. Dr. Weingart had a few general recommendations for parents and the USA Today Shopping team found some deals on medicine cabinet items that fit into her recommended categories.

"It's always good to have pain relievers stocked in your medicine cabinet," Dr. Weingart said. "Liquid or chewables for those younger children who can't swallow pills."

Always check with your pediatrician or family doctor for the correct dosing, as pain relievers come in many forms and doses. It will depend on your child's age, weight and health.

"It's also good to have things like antihistamines for the fall allergies," Dr. Weingart said.

As kids head back-to-school, seasonal allergies can flare up. Having the right remedies on hand can help your child bounce back faster and prevent a last minute run to the pharmacy.

"Cough drops are good when cold and flu season hits, help with the coughing."

For younger children who might struggle with regular cough drops, picking up a soothing lollipop like Lolleez is a gentler, more palatable option, plus it removes the choking hazard of a hard cough drop.

A final, gentle warning from Dr. Weingart: "Make sure that any medications you have are locked up and out of reach from children, so making sure that all the children cannot get a hold of them unless an adult is administering them."