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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- With kids going back to school, germs are also making their way back.

Public Health Departments across the Heartland are stressing the importance of keeping kids healthy when it comes time for back to school.

Washing hands before and after meals, using hand sanitizer and bathing regularly are just a few easy ways to combat the germs.

“We'll see an increase in illness at this time of the year -- September -- all the kids are getting back together where they have not been in a “confined area” for awhile.  But the most important thing is, again with anything, make sure your kids are home when they’re sick if they've been running a fever if they've got a runny noise, if they've had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Keep them home,” said Chris Estle-Tedrow, Jefferson County Public Health Administrator.

Estle-Tedrow added that parents need to be especially aware of what they are packing their kids for lunch and to pack perishable foods in coolers.