It can feel like school comes with a new illness every few weeks. Once children return to the classroom, parents may start seeing more coughs, sore throats, fevers, stomach bugs, and other infections at home.
That's partly because children spend so much time around one another. Classrooms, buses, cafeterias, playgrounds, and sports activities give germs plenty of opportunities to spread.
Most childhood illnesses can be managed with rest and fluids, but some symptoms may need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Knowing what to watch for can help you decide when it's time to seek care.
If your child does need to be seen, AFC Urgent Care Franklin offers care for patients age 1 and older, including evaluation and treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries.
What Illnesses Are Kids Most Likely to Bring Home?
Respiratory and stomach illnesses are common during the school year. Children may come home with a cold, flu, strep throat, pink eye, or a gastrointestinal illness.
The symptoms of different conditions can look similar. A sore throat, for example, may be caused by a viral infection or strep throat. Coughing and congestion can also have several causes, including respiratory infections and allergies.
Pay attention to how your child is feeling and whether symptoms are improving. If they become more severe, continue for longer than expected, or interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping, or normal activities, a medical evaluation may be appropriate.
Testing may be recommended when a provider needs more information about what's causing your child's symptoms.
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 evaluation and their primary care provider isn't available.
AFC Urgent Care Franklin treats patients age 1 and older and accepts walk-in visits for many common childhood illnesses and minor injuries.
Consider seeking care if your child has:
- A persistent or concerning fever
- Significant throat pain or difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain or possible ear infection
- A cough or congestion that is getting worse
- Vomiting or diarrhea that makes it difficult to stay hydrated
- A minor injury that needs to be evaluated
If your child has severe difficulty breathing, is difficult to wake, loses consciousness, or has another potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care instead.
What Can I Do When My Child Gets Sick?
When your child isn't feeling well, focus on rest, fluids, and monitoring their symptoms. Keep track of when symptoms started and whether they're improving or getting worse.
It's also helpful to know your school's policy for staying home and returning to class. Requirements can vary depending on the illness and the school.
If you're unsure whether your child's symptoms can be managed at home, contacting a healthcare provider can help you decide what to do next.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Franklin for Back-to-School Illnesses
When your child's symptoms aren't improving or you think your kid needs to be evaluated, having a local option for care can make things easier.
AFC Urgent Care Franklin serves families in Franklin, Wrentham, Medway, Milford, and surrounding communities. We're open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and accept walk-in patients. If your child needs to be seen for an illness or minor injury, call (508) 446-9400 or visit our clinic today.
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