Ready or not, it’s back-to-school time. That means new clothes, pristine school supplies, early wakeups and a whole lot of shared germs.
It’s not uncommon for kids to come down with some kind of bug during those first few weeks of school. Up to 80 percent of infectious illnesses are spread through touch, and schools are a hotspot for germy surfaces – from table tops, doorknobs and keyboards to stair railings, toilets and faucets. And with kids in close quarters, it’s easy to pass infections to others.
What are the most common school-age illnesses going around
The most common contagious illnesses among school-age kids include:
- Common cold. Colds are the most frequent illnesses kids and the main reason they miss school. They typically start with a sore throat followed by a runny and stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing.
- Flu. Influenza is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms usually come on quickly and can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and fatigue. Flu season typically peaks between December and March but can start as early as October.
- COVID-19. Filed under the category of “It ain’t over till it’s over,” the big summer wave of COVID infections hasn’t receded yet. As of August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that cases in the Pacific Northwest are likely still on the rise. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and feel like a cold or flu or may cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Impetigo. One of several common skin conditions in kids, this bacterial infection is marked by red sores that form around the nose and mouth.
- Pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, this eye condition is caused by viruses and bacteria and spreads rapidly in schools and daycare centers.
- Strep throat. A bacteria known as A Streptococcus is to blame for this infection in the throat and tonsils. Strep throat usually presents as a sudden sore throat and is especially common in kids between the ages of 5 and 15.
- Gastroenteritis. This stomach bug causes inflammation of the stomach lining and typically lasts a few days. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
What can I do to prevent my child from getting sick?
It’s just a fact that kids are likely to get sick at school or daycare, but there are some things you can do to keep them as healthy as possible.
- Teach them good handwashing habits. Proper and frequent handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. The CDC offers five easy handwashing steps you can teach your child and practice as a family.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines prevent serious illness or prevent disease entirely. In addition to childhood vaccines required by schools or child care centers, the CDC also recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive updated 2024-25 COVID and flu vaccines to protect against severe illness.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Make sure your child knows to use a tissue to cover their nose and mouth every time they cough or sneeze and to dispose of used tissues in a waste basket. Teach them to cough or sneeze into their sleeve at the elbow when they don’t have a tissue handy.
- Explain when sharing is a no-no. Remind kids to avoid sharing drinks, eating utensils, and personal items such as hats, scarves, hair accessories or helmets.
- Ensure they get enough sleep. Consistent bedtime and wakeup schedules and adequate sleep improves concentration, behavior, focus, and overall mental and physical health. Research shows that lack of sleep can reduce infection-fighting antibodies and cells. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers recommendations for how much sleep children need based on their age.
- Get them moving. Exercise helps keep the body resilient and better equipped to fight off infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids 6 year and older get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days. That can include walking, biking, playing games, sports and more.
Tip: Put the emphasis on fun and make it part of your family’s daily routine. - Make healthy eating a priority. A balanced diet of lean proteins and a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains is key to warding off infection from bacteria and viruses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes healthy eating easier. MyPlate provides a personalized approach to healthy eating, along with some great resources for parents and caregivers.
- Go heavy on hydration. Proper hydration plays a huge part in keeping kids healthy. It not only helps carry oxygen to cells to help the body function properly, but it also allows the kidneys to flush out toxins and produce lymph – a fluid that carries infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. Send your child to school with a reusable water bottle (and a backpack designed to carry it), skip the sugary drinks and pack hydrating foods, such as grapes, carrots, cucumbers and strawberries, in lunches.
When should I keep my child home from school?
Keeping your child home when they’re sick is not only important for their own well-being, but it also helps prevent the spread of illness to others. Knowing when to make that call isn’t always easy.
Most schools have a policy for when sick students should stay home. In general, your child should not go to school if they have:
- A fever above 101 degrees F.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Strep throat or another infectious disease.
- A persistent cough that disrupts normal activity.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- A new rash, especially if it comes with fever and itching.
- Pain from an earache, sore throat, headache or recent injury that is more than mild.
- Drainage from eyes or nose that appears yellow or green (a common symptom of pink eye).
- Unusual lethargy or lack of appetite.
Schools typically have a specific return-to-school rule for fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Students should stay home until they are symptom-free without the use of preventative medications for 24 hours before they return to school.
When should my child see a doctor?
School-age illnesses like colds, flu and stomach bugs can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, rest and a little TLC. But others may require antibiotics. Kids with compromised immune systems from asthma or other illnesses may develop worse symptoms and require care.
When your back-to-schooler is under the weather, Indigo makes getting care as simple as 1-2-3:
- Keep your kiddo comfy and cozy at home and schedule a same-day or next-day Indigo Virtual Care appointment from your phone or favorite device.
- Visit one of our convenient Indigo locations. We’re here from 8 am to 8 pm every day to treat most minor illnesses and injuries. One of our friendly health care clinicians will evaluate your child’s symptoms and prescribe medications, if needed. All Indigos offer rapid testing for flu, strep and COVID, giving you results in minutes. Simply walk in or schedule an appointment online.
- Ask our virtual assistant, Indy. She’s always available to evaluate your child’s symptoms and get them the care they need.
