RALEIGH, N.C. — With the back-to-school season getting under way, Kerr Drug is advising parents to prepare a kit to safeguard the health of their children and other students.

The regional drug chain, which has 90 stores in North Carolina, this week suggested that parents put together a "Back to School Backpack Health Kit" for their kids to reduce their risk of becoming ill or spreading germs.

"The No. 1 lesson to teach your child before they go back to school is that washing their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom, is the best way to stay healthy," Scott Porter, category manager for health aids at Kerr Drug, said in a statement. "Parents should also remind children to always cover their nose and mouth with a tissue, shirt sleeve or elbow when coughing or sneezing."

For the back-to-school health kit, Porter recommended including hand sanitizing gel; a travel-size pack of tissues; a small container of disposable, antiseptic wipes; a reusable water bottle; lip balm; a comb or a hair brush so children don’t have to share; and emergency contact and allergy information, as a backup to the contacts in the school office.

In addition, Porter advises parents to review their child’s immunization records at the start of every school year to make sure all necessary shots and vaccinations are current, as well as to keep a reliable thermometer in the house since children shouldn’t be sent to school with a fever.

Kerr Drug said the health kit can be assembled for less than $10, will easily fit into a pencil pouch (with the water bottle on the side of a backpack) and will last for several months.