6 Common Back-to-School Illnesses & How to Prevent Them
The beginning of school is an exciting time full of new friends, crisp school supplies, and fun things to learn. With all of the excitement and a fresh crowd of students, new germs can be easily passed in classrooms and school hallways.
To help you understand what your child may be susceptible to in the new school year, AGC Pediatrics has compiled a list of the six most common back-to-school illnesses — and how to prevent them.
To help you understand what your child may be susceptible to in the new school year, AGC Pediatrics has compiled a list of the six most common back-to-school illnesses — and how to prevent them.
Common Cold
One of the most prevalent back-to-school illnesses, the common cold is also often one of the most contagious. The common cold is a general term for a myriad of viral infections that cause symptoms like: a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. The common cold is passed through bodily fluids like mucus and saliva. Because viruses can live on surfaces, it is often spread by touching an object that was previously touched by a person with a cold.
Flu (Influenza)
Influenza, known more commonly as the flu, is very similar to a cold. Caused by a virus, the flu can produce symptoms, like: a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, a high-grade fever that comes on suddenly, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and fatigue. While many children can function relatively well with the common cold, the flu is likely to be more severe and keep them out of school. If you believe your child may have the flu, it is important that they visit a pediatrician as soon as possible to relieve symptoms.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is the irritation or swelling of the conjunctiva in the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, irritation from dust and chemicals, or allergies. With pink eye, the eye typically emits a thick discharge that is usually yellowish-white. It can also cause itchiness, pain, or redness of the eye. Often with pink eye, it is uncomfortable to close the eyelid and your child may experience a sensitivity to light. Pink eye is highly contagious, so remind children to avoid touching their eyes or face.
Head Lice
Head lice are very small parasites that live off small amounts of blood taken from the human scalp. Head lice typically cause itchiness due to small bites on the scalp. They can spread quickly through a classroom, and can be difficult to get rid of, as they lay eggs on the scalp that hatch more lice. Although uncomfortable and unpleasant, lice are not usually a dangerous illness. Most cases of head lice can be eliminated with a medicated delousing shampoo and a thorough, delousing wash of clothes, linens, and stuffed animals that your child comes in contact with.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria streptococcus. It typically appears with symptoms, like: moderate to severe sore throat, scratchy or “raw” throat, fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes, white patches or redness on the tonsils or back of throat, headache, pain in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash. Because many of these symptoms mirror the common cold or the flu, it is important to take your child to the pediatrician if these symptoms appear. Strep throat can only be positively identified with a strep test, and if identified, must be treated with antibiotics.
Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
While the stomach flu often runs a very short course in both children and adults (typically 1-3 days), this virus attacks the inner lining of the stomach and can cause extreme discomfort. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, diarrhea, mild muscle aches and pains, and stomach pain. Because this virus is self-limiting, the largest concern for parents is keeping their child hydrated. If your child cannot keep any clear fluids down, is lethargic, has a high fever, has bloody diarrhea, or is not urinating regularly, contact your pediatrician or visit a local ER for emergency hydration care.
Prevention
The best way to prevent illnesses is to promote proper handwashing. Washing hands around meal times, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of many common diseases. Another great way to prevent the spread of illness is to teach children to cough or sneeze into tissues and then to throw the tissue away, or when necessary, to cough into the crook of their elbow (also known as the ‘vampire cough’). Remind children to avoid sharing drinks, food, and utensils with friends to prevent sharing germs.
If your child experiences any of the symptoms listed above or if you’d like to schedule a vaccination appointment, please call AGC Pediatrics at 706-625-5900. We serve Calhoun, Cartersville, Acworth, Kennesaw, Jasper, Canton, and Dalton with expert faith-based pediatric care.
Need a sports physical, school vaccinations, or a back-to-school wellness check? Find it all at AGC Pediatrics!
If your child experiences any of the symptoms listed above or if you’d like to schedule a vaccination appointment, please call AGC Pediatrics at 706-625-5900. We serve Calhoun, Cartersville, Acworth, Kennesaw, Jasper, Canton, and Dalton with expert faith-based pediatric care.
Need a sports physical, school vaccinations, or a back-to-school wellness check? Find it all at AGC Pediatrics!