"As the new school year begins, children are excited to reunite with classmates, meet new teachers, and participate in fun extracurricular activities and clubs," says Elizabeth C.N. Winful-Acquaye, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Liberty Hill. "However, the return to the classroom also brings an increased risk of encountering various illnesses."
Here's a look at some of the most common back-to-school ailments and tips on how to protect your child.
Cold: The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sneezing. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Prevention tips:
- Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Teach your child to avoid touching their face, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Ensure they use tissues or their elbow to cover coughs and sneezes.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu): This stomach bug causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.
Prevention tips:
- Promote good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils with others.
- Ensure proper food handling and storage at home.
Strep throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore, scratchy throat. It can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Symptoms include a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Prevention tips:
- Remind your child not to share drinks or eating utensils.
- Teach them to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Seek medical attention if your child shows symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Influenza (flu): Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure your child gets the annual flu vaccine.
- Promote regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers.
- Encourage your child to avoid close contact with sick individuals.
COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 affects the respiratory system and can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue. It spreads through respiratory droplets.
Prevention tips:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Wear masks when appropriate.
- Get vaccinated.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
- Keep your child home if they show any COVID-19 symptoms and consult a healthcare provider.
Learn more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine at ARC.
Hand-foot-mouth disease: Hand-foot-mouth disease is a viral illness that typically affects young children. It causes a rash on the hands and feet and painful sores in the mouth. Other symptoms include fever and reduced appetite.
Prevention tips:
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys.
- Keep your child home from school if they show symptoms to prevent spreading the virus.
Head lice: Head lice are tiny insects that infest the hair and scalp. They cause itching and discomfort but are not dangerous. Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like hats and brushes.
Prevention tips:
- Discourage sharing of personal items.
- Regularly check your child's hair for lice, especially after sleepovers or school events.
- Treat infestations promptly with over-the-counter or prescription treatments.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
Prevention tips:
- Emphasize the importance of not touching or rubbing eyes.
- Teach your child to wash their hands frequently.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or washcloths.
Seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are caused by airborne allergens like pollen. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and coughing.
Prevention tips:
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
- Encourage your child to shower and change clothes after playing outside.
- Consult a doctor for appropriate allergy medications.
How to protect your child
"Protecting your child from these common illnesses involves a combination of good hygiene practices, vaccinations, and being mindful of their environment," says Dr. Winful-Acquaye. "By taking these steps, you can help ensure your child's health and well-being throughout the school year."
Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Hand hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines, including the annual flu shot. Learn more about vaccinations at ARC.
- Healthy habits: Promote a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to boost your child's immune system.
- Clean environment: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, toys, and personal items.
- Stay informed: Keep communication open with your child's school regarding illness outbreaks and follow their guidelines for keeping sick children home and when they may return to school.
Make an appointment today
ARC Pediatrics doctors focus on a full range of services for patients from birth through 18 years. We offer appointments to fit your schedule and lifestyle, including regular clinic visits, telemedicine visits, Same-Day Visits, After Hours appointments, and 24/7 phone nurses.
Dr. Winful-Acquaye is accepting new patients, newborn through 18 years old at ARC Liberty Hill. To make an appointment call 512-778-7003 or schedule online through ARC MyChart or ARC Help Me Book.