Back-to-school season brings plenty of excitement, including reconnecting with friends and jumping back into sports and classroom activities. Unfortunately, it can also bring increased exposure to germs and a higher chance of minor injuries.
Students spend much of their day in close contact with each other, sharing supplies and lunch time, making it easier for illnesses to spread. At the same time, crowded playgrounds, athletic activities, and everyday school routines can lead to cuts, sprains, and other minor orthopedic concerns.
As your family prepares for another school year, remind your student about healthy habits, including regular handwashing, which remains one of the simplest ways to help reduce the spread of germs.
At AFC Urgent Care Beaverton, our medical providers treat a variety of common illnesses and minor injuries that can affect students throughout the school year. Below, we’ll take a closer look at 4 common health concerns, the symptoms to watch for, and when AFC Urgent Care may be the right choice.
1: Strep Throat
A sore throat can be uncomfortable, but when the symptoms come on suddenly, it may be a sign of strep throat. This contagious bacterial infection affects the throat and tonsils and is caused by Group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person and may also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Some common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Fever, which may begin suddenly and include chills or body aches
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils in more severe cases
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, known as petechiae
If your student develops a sudden sore throat without nasal congestion or experiences several of these symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Beaverton for an evaluation. Our medical team can perform a rapid strep test, with results available in minutes. During the test, a provider gently swabs the back of the throat and tonsils to collect a sample.
When a rapid strep test is positive, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
It’s important to note that not every sore throat is caused by strep. Viral illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and viral pharyngitis, can also cause throat pain. Symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and hoarseness are generally more associated with viral infections than strep throat. A medical provider at AFC Urgent Care Beaverton can evaluate your student and discuss the appropriate next steps.
2: School-Year Injuries and Orthopedic Concerns
The beginning of the school year often means students are spending more time on playgrounds and participating in sports, which can sometimes result in minor injuries and orthopedic concerns.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations are common injuries that may require professional medical attention. At AFC Urgent Care Beaverton, our providers can evaluate your student’s wound and recommend the appropriate treatment. Depending on the injury, treatment may include:
- Stitches
- Tissue adhesive
- Protective dressings
- Staples
For qualifying wounds, AFC Urgent Care Beaverton can provide staple closure, giving families access to convenient injury care without the long waits and higher costs that can come with an emergency room visit.
Sprains, Falls, and Other Orthopedic Injuries
A fall on the playground can leave your student dealing with pain, swelling, or limited movement. Our medical providers can evaluate many minor orthopedic concerns and provide stabilization, bracing, and symptom relief. Common concerns we can evaluate include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ankle sprains
- Fractured wrists
- Elbow injuries
- Knee pain
- Stress fractures
When recommended by your medical provider, your student may also receive an X-ray using our on-site X-ray machine and lab.
What Is “Backpack-itis”?
Although it is not an official medical diagnosis, the term “backpack-itis” is often used to describe head, neck, or shoulder discomfort caused by carrying a backpack that is too heavy. To help reduce this type of discomfort, make sure your student’s backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight. Choosing a backpack with wide, padded straps and encouraging your child to use both straps instead of carrying it over one shoulder may also help.
3: Stomach Flu or Viral Gastroenteritis
Despite its common name, the stomach flu is not the same as influenza. Influenza affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs, while the stomach flu affects the digestive tract and intestines. The stomach flu can spread through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. The illness can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Frequent, watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
- Mild headaches or muscle aches
- A low-grade fever
Because there is no specific treatment for the stomach flu, prevention and good hygiene are especially important. Frequent handwashing can help limit the spread of germs at school and at home. If your student develops stomach flu symptoms, medical attention may be needed if they experience any of the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- A fever of 102°F or higher
- Bloody diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
4: Pink Eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is another condition that can spread easily among students. It causes redness and swelling of the eye along with blurry vision, light sensitivity, itching, pain, or the sensation that something is stuck in the eye. There are several forms of pink eye, including viral and bacterial, while allergies may also trigger similar symptoms.
Pink eye is one of the most common eye problems both children and adults face, according to the National Eye Institute. Schools can provide the perfect environment for pink eye to spread, particularly when students touch their eyes without washing their hands. Direct contact and shared items, including towels, glasses, and other personal belongings, can also contribute to transmission.
Viral pink eye is the most common type and often improves without medication within one to two weeks, although recovery may sometimes take longer. Bacterial pink eye, however, requires prescription eye drops.
A visit to AFC Urgent Care Beaverton can help determine which type of pink eye your student has and what treatment is needed. If pink eye symptoms worsen quickly or your student develops thick discharge from the eyes, it may be time to seek medical attention.
Quality Care at AFC Urgent Care
A new school year should be filled with learning, friendships, sports, and new experiences. While it is impossible to prevent every germ or playground accident, recognizing common symptoms and knowing when to seek care can help your family respond quickly.
From strep throat and pink eye to the stomach flu and minor orthopedic injuries, AFC Urgent Care Beaverton is here to provide prompt evaluation and treatment when your student needs it. Walk in 7 days a week, or schedule your appointment online today!