Back to School Means Back to Sick Days, Say Parents

New Survey Finds Parents Bracing for Illness as Kids Return to Classrooms

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As families prepare for the new school year, a new nationwide survey conducted by Boiron, world leader in homeopathic medicines, in partnership with Atomik Research, reveals what many parents already expect: classroom germs are likely to make their way into the home. According to the findings, 73% of parents of school-aged children say they are resigned to the fact that sickness will run through their household when their kids go back to school.

The survey of more than 1,002 U.S. parents with children ages 5 to 17 also found that nearly 1 in 5 parents (19%) typically use more than five paid-time-off (PTO) days each year to care for a sick child. In total, nearly 69% report using at least three PTO days annually for this reason.

To avoid disruption to work and school schedules, many parents are proactively exploring ways to care for their families. The survey found 96% of parents are open to trying homeopathic medicines either as an alternative or complement to conventional treatments when their children are sick. Of those, 58% say they are extremely or very open to this approach.

One trusted option for families is Boiron Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic medicine recommended for everyone ages 2 and up. Oscillococcinum has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms including body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.* Oscillococcinum appeals to parents as a complementary or alternative option because it has no known interactions with other medications or supplements, won't mask symptoms of a more serious condition, and is non-drowsy and non-habit forming.

"It's no surprise that parents feel overwhelmed during back-to-school season when viruses often sweep through entire households," said Dr. Ken Redcross, board-certified internal medicine physician. "Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet, including a medicine like Oscillococcinum, can help parents take quick action at the first sign of symptoms and minimize the risk of missing valuable school and work days."

The survey was conducted by Atomik Research, an independent market research agency, on behalf of Boiron between July 11 and July 15, 2025. The sample included 1,002 U.S. parents of school-age children.

For more about Boiron and its range of homeopathic medicines, visit BoironUSA.com.

About Boiron: Since 1932, Boiron has been sharing its passion for homeopathy with a holistic and ecological approach to medicine. Its vision of health care puts people at its center and seeks to improve the quality of their everyday lives. With a long history of unmatched quality and innovation, Boiron remains dedicated to producing the purest of medicines that respect human health and the environment.

*These "Uses" have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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SOURCE Boiron USA