It can seem like your child brings home a new illness every time the school year starts. Coughs, sore throats, fevers, and stomach bugs tend to become more common once children return to classrooms and activities.
The reason is fairly simple: children spend more time around other people. Classrooms, buses, cafeterias, playgrounds, and sports programs all create opportunities for germs to spread. While good hygiene can lower the risk, it's not possible to prevent every illness.
Knowing what symptoms to watch for and where to go when your child needs care can make those unexpected sick days easier to handle. AFC Urgent Care Attleboro treats patients age 1 and older for common illnesses and minor injuries, with on-site laboratory testing, X-rays, vaccinations, and physicals available.
Why Does School Increase Exposure to Germs?
Children have more close contact with classmates once school starts. They may share desks and equipment, play together at recess, eat in the same cafeteria, or spend time together on a school bus or sports team.
Respiratory viruses can spread through close contact and coughs and sneezes. Some stomach illnesses can also spread when contaminated hands or surfaces come into contact with the mouth.
Younger kids may need extra reminders about handwashing and covering coughs. Practicing these habits at home can help them become part of your child's normal routine. Even with good hygiene, some illnesses are simply part of being around other children. The key is knowing what to do when your child starts feeling sick.
What Illnesses Are Common When School Starts?
Colds and other respiratory illnesses are among the most common problems parents encounter during the school year. Symptoms can include congestion, cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Stomach illnesses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
Symptoms can overlap between different conditions. A sore throat, for example, could be caused by a viral infection or strep throat. Congestion may come from an infection, allergies, or another cause.
If symptoms are significant, persistent, or getting worse, a healthcare provider can help determine whether your child needs an evaluation or testing.
When Should I Take My Child to Urgent Care?
Urgent care can be a good option when your child has a non-emergency illness or injury that needs attention but their primary care provider isn't available.
Consider seeking care if your child has:
- A sore throat with significant pain or other concerning symptoms
- A persistent fever or fever accompanied by other symptoms
- Ear pain that is affecting sleep or daily activities
- Cold or flu symptoms that are getting worse
- A minor injury that needs to be evaluated
- Symptoms that aren't improving with rest and fluids at home
If your child has severe difficulty breathing, loses consciousness, has a serious injury, or experiences another potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Attleboro for Back-to-School Illnesses
Back-to-school illnesses are inevitable, especially when children are spending more time together. Most can be managed with rest and fluids, but symptoms that persist or get worse may need an evaluation.
AFC Urgent Care Attleboro serves families in Attleboro, Norton, Mansfield, North Attleborough, and surrounding communities. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and accepts walk-in patients age 1 and older. If your child needs to be seen for an illness or minor injury, call (774) 254-9500.
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