Common Back-to-School Illnesses and How to Prevent Them

02 Jun Common Back-to-School Illnesses and How to Prevent Them

2 min. read

As the school year kicks off, many kids are excited to see friends, meet new teachers, and start a new routine. But back-to-school season also brings an increase in germs. Classrooms, buses, and lunchrooms can be the perfect places for viruses and bacteria to spread. At Continuum Pediatrics, we want to help your family stay as healthy as possible this school year.

Here are some of the most common back-to-school illnesses and how to help prevent them:

#1. The Common Cold

Colds spread easily, especially when kids touch shared surfaces or forget to wash their hands. Sneezing, runny noses, and coughing are all signs of a cold.

How to help prevent it: Remind your child to wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Pack tissues and hand sanitizer in their backpack and teach them to sneeze or cough into their elbow.

#2. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Stomach viruses spread quickly and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

How to help prevent it: Handwashing is key. Remind your child not to share drinks, snacks, or utensils. Keep them home if they are sick to help stop the spread.

#3. Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, and headache. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.

How to help prevent it: Teach your child to avoid touching their face and to wash their hands regularly. If your child has a sore throat that lasts more than a day or comes with a fever, bring them in for a checkup.

#4. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is very contagious and causes red, itchy, or watery eyes. It can spread through hand-to-eye contact or shared items.

How to help prevent it: Remind your child not to touch or rub their eyes and not to share towels or school supplies.

#5. Head Lice

Lice are tiny bugs that live in hair and spread quickly through head-to-head contact or shared items like hats or brushes.

How to help prevent it: Teach your child not to share hats, brushes, or hair accessories. If lice are spreading in your child’s class, check their hair often.

Staying healthy this school year starts with good habits and smart hygiene. If your child isn’t feeling well or if you have questions about prevention, we’re here to help.Schedule your child’s back-to-school checkup today!