A recent study published in "Pediatrics" found that simple hand and surface disinfecting practices have a significant impact on the reduction of gastrointestinal illness in schools, resulting in less absenteeism.

Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year because of illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But a new study from researchers at Children's Hospital Boston, published in "Pediatrics," found that simple steps like disinfecting surfaces and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers helped reduce student absenteeism rates in elementary schools.

"It is critical to prevent exposure to certain bacteria and viruses that can cause illness and make children miss school. Our research shows that elementary schools should consider infection control practices to help keep schools healthier," said Thomas Sandora, MD, MPH, a pediatric infection control specialist at Children's Hospital Boston.

The study, led by Dr. Sandora, involved 285 third and fifth grade students in Avon, Ohio. Teachers in intervention classrooms used disinfecting wipes on surfaces such as desks, and students and teachers used hand sanitizer at key points throughout the school day. Other classrooms followed normal hand washing and cleaning procedures. Over eight weeks, researchers tracked the frequency and reasons for student absences. Investigators also compared the presence of viruses and total bacterial counts on several classroom surfaces.

The researchers found that absenteeism rates for gastrointestinal illnesses were 9 percent lower in classrooms that disinfected surfaces and used hand sanitizers.

Respiratory illnesses were not affected by the infection control measures.

The study suggests that schools should consider adopting simple infection control practices, including disinfecting common surfaces and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers in classrooms to reduce the number of school days lost to common GI illnesses, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

"I am thrilled by the results of the study because it confirmed what we already suspected — using disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers in the classroom will help keep students in school," said Michelle Kocar, principal of Avon Heritage South Elementary School, where the study was conducted. "As an educator and parent, I urge other schools and parents to adopt similar infection control protocols in their schools and at home," Kocar said.