The start of school brings new routines, new friends and the all-too-familiar wave of back-to-school illness. Since children are spending more time indoors in close proximity to new people, germs can spread very quickly! Knowing how to recognize the early symptoms of common sicknesses is the best way to protect your child’s health (and prevent anything they bring home from spreading to the rest of your household).
At Coastal Urgent Care, we see a spike in back-to-school illness every fall. Whether it’s the common cold, strep throat or the flu, acting fast can cut down on recovery time and prevent serious complications.
School illnesses are common, especially in the initial weeks of school. The closeness, shared desks and changing weather all work together to create the perfect environment for germs to spread. Be on the lookout for these warning signs so that you can recognize illness early on and maintain your child’s health in the busy back-to-school season.
Viral infections like the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) often spread through classrooms quickly. Bacterial infections such as strep throat and ear infections also increase during the fall. Though many of these types of illnesses are not severe, they can get in the way of your child’s ability to concentrate and learn. In some cases, they can lead to more serious complications and illnesses if left untreated.
Although it’s impossible to avoid all germs, there are easy ways to keep your family healthy. Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, particularly after using shared objects, before meals and of course, after using the restroom. Regular sleep and a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains help boost the immune system and help children stay energized throughout the day.
If your child does get sick, keeping them home gives their body the rest it needs to recover and helps prevent the illness from spreading to classmates and teachers. Even a mild cold can easily travel through classrooms, so staying home at the first sign of illness can make a big difference. Staying up-to-date on vaccines, like the annual flu shot, is also a primary method of reducing more serious infections. Vaccines help strengthen the immune system and can prevent common illnesses from turning into something more severe.
It’s not always easy to know when to manage symptoms at home and when to bring your child in for medical care. Generally, if your child’s condition doesn’t improve within 48 hours or if symptoms worsen, it’s time to visit urgent care. Signs such as a high fever, rashes, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue can indicate something serious. You should also seek care if your child experiences ongoing vomiting, diarrhea or signs of dehydration like dry lips, low energy or infrequent urination. These symptoms can progress quickly and may require prompt attention to prevent complications and support a faster recovery.
Coastal Urgent Care can handle a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries. Our convenient hours and walk-in policy allow you to skip the hassle of scheduling and get treated when it’s most convenient for you. Search “urgent care near me” to find the closest Coastal Urgent Care and we’ll help your family beat back-to-school illnesses.