The start of a new school year brings busy mornings, new routines, and plenty of time spent around classmates. Unfortunately, it can also bring an increase in exposure to germs. Between classrooms, school buses, cafeterias, and extracurricular activities, children are in close contact with others throughout the day, making it easier for common illnesses to spread.
While getting sick occasionally is a normal part of childhood, knowing which illnesses are common during the back-to-school season can help parents recognize symptoms and know when medical care may be needed.
If your child gets sick this school year, AFC Urgent Care Centennial treats general illnesses. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends, and gladly accept walk-in patients.
Colds and Other Respiratory Viruses
The common cold is one of the illnesses children frequently experience during the school year. Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and sometimes a mild fever.
Other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and RSV, can cause similar symptoms but may lead to more severe illness. If your child's symptoms are worsening, persistent, or accompanied by difficulty breathing, they should be evaluated by a medical provider. Since the flu can spread easily in school settings, getting an annual flu shot is one way to help protect your child during the school year. AFC Urgent Care Centennial offers flu shots for eligible patients.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can spread easily when children are in close contact with one another. Unlike many viral sore throats, strep throat may cause a sudden and severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Because strep throat is caused by bacteria, testing is important to determine whether treatment is needed. If your child has a persistent or severe sore throat, a medical provider can evaluate their symptoms and perform testing when appropriate.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can sometimes develop following a cold or other upper respiratory illness. Younger children may have difficulty explaining what is wrong, so parents should watch for signs such as ear pain, trouble sleeping, irritability, fever, or changes in hearing.
If ear pain is severe or symptoms do not improve, seeking medical care like ear cleaning can help determine whether an infection or another condition is causing the discomfort.
Pink Eye
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, can spread quickly in school settings, particularly when children touch their eyes and then share objects or surfaces with others. Symptoms may include redness, itching, irritation, watery eyes, or drainage and crusting around the eyelids.
Pink eye can have different causes, so an evaluation can help determine what is causing your child's symptoms and whether treatment is necessary.
Stomach Bugs
Stomach bugs are another common reason children may need to stay home from school. These illnesses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Since vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it is important to encourage children to drink fluids and monitor them for signs that they are becoming dehydrated.
If your child is unable to keep fluids down or has symptoms that are severe or persistent, they should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Visit AFC Urgent Care for Pediatric Illness Care in Centennial, CO
When your child gets sick during the busy back-to-school season, AFC Urgent Care Centennial is here to help. Our walk-in clinic provides same-day care for non-life-threatening illnesses, including cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, ear infections, stomachaches, and more. We also offer on-site diagnostic services to help evaluate your child's symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps.
AFC Urgent Care Centennial provides pediatric urgent care for children ages three and older. With walk-in care and convenient hours seven days a week, families in Centennial and the surrounding communities can get care when they need it.