As the school year kicks into gear, so does something parents dread: the return of classroom germs. No matter how careful your child is about washing their hands or covering their mouth when coughing, schools are the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to spread.

In Beverly and surrounding North Shore communities, we see a spike in certain illnesses every year once kids are back in classrooms, cafeterias, and sports programs. These illnesses can spread quickly, leading to missed school days, after-hours trips to urgent care, and even the risk of infecting the rest of the family.

At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, our providers see the same patterns every fall, winter, and spring, and we know which illnesses you’re most likely to encounter. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top five school-year diseases, how to spot them early, and when to visit urgent care so your child can get better faster and avoid passing them along to others.

And remember, with five convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill, we’re close by when your child needs quick care without waiting for a pediatrician appointment.

1. Strep Throat

What it is: Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It spreads through respiratory droplets, meaning one sneeze or cough in the classroom can put many kids at risk.

Why it’s common in schools: Shared desks, close seating arrangements, and group activities mean kids are constantly exposed to germs.

Early symptoms:

• Sudden, severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Fever over 101°F
• Headache or stomach pain in younger children

When to seek urgent care:

Bring your child in if symptoms come on suddenly and there’s no sign of nasal congestion (which usually points to a virus). At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, we can do a rapid strep test with results in minutes. If positive, antibiotics can start right away, reducing symptom duration and preventing complications like rheumatic fever.

2. The Common Cold

What it is: Caused by viruses like rhinovirus, the common cold is the most frequent illness in school-aged children. Kids can catch multiple colds in one school year, especially during fall and winter.

Why it’s common in schools: Cold viruses spread easily through hand-to-hand contact, shared supplies, and contaminated surfaces.

Early symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Mild sore throat
• A cough that develops after a day or two
• Low-grade fever (more common in younger kids)

When to seek urgent care:

Most colds can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. But bring your child in if they:

• Have a fever over 102°F lasting more than 3 days
• Are you wheezing or struggling to breathe
• Have symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
• Show signs of an ear infection (ear pain, tugging at the ear)

3. Influenza (Flu)

What it is: Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can range from mild to severe and spreads quickly through schools.

Why it’s common in schools: Kids are in close contact for hours every day, and the flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Early symptoms:

• Sudden high fever (often over 102°F)
• Chills and body aches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• Cough and sore throat

When to seek urgent care:

If your child has flu-like symptoms, especially within the first 48 hours, visit AFC Urgent Care Beverly. We can test for influenza on-site and prescribe antiviral medication that works best when started early.

Pro tip: The best way to prevent the flu is with an annual flu shot offered on a walk-in basis at all 5 of our locations.

4. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

What it is: Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye). Viruses, bacteria, or allergens can cause it.

Why it’s common in schools: Kids often touch their eyes without washing their hands, and pink eye spreads readily through direct contact and shared items.

Early symptoms:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchy or gritty feeling
• Discharge that may crust over at night
• Tearing or watery eyes

When to seek urgent care:

If your child has thick yellow or green discharge, or if symptoms worsen quickly, see a provider. Bacterial pink eye needs prescription eye drops. Viral pink eye typically resolves on its own, but a professional diagnosis ensures proper treatment and prevents spread.

5. Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

What it is: Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. It’s highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools.

Why it’s common in schools: Kids share snacks, touch common surfaces, and often aren’t as careful about handwashing before eating.

Early symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

When to seek urgent care:

Most cases improve with rest and fluids, but visit AFC Urgent Care Beverly if your child:

• Can’t keep fluids down for more than 12 hours
• Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, fewer wet diapers)
• Has blood in their stool or vomit
• Experiences symptoms lasting more than 3 days

How to Reduce the Risk of School-Year Illnesses

While it’s impossible to avoid all germs, you can help protect your child by:

• Teaching proper handwashing (20 seconds with soap and water)
• Encouraging them not to share utensils, drinks, or towels
• Ensuring they get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet
• Keeping them home when they’re sick to avoid spreading illness
• Staying up to date on vaccines, including the flu shot

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Beverly

• Walk-in convenience: No appointment necessary
• Fast testing: Strep, flu, and other rapid tests with on-site results
• Experienced providers: Skilled in diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses
• Local access: 5 convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill
• Family-focused care: We treat children and adults in a comfortable, welcoming environment

Visit your nearest AFC Urgent Care Beverly today to get your child back on their feet quickly.

The school year should be about learning, friends, and activities, not constant sick days. By recognizing the early symptoms of common illnesses and acting quickly, you can help your child recover faster and protect the rest of the family.

At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, we make it simple to get the care your child needs without the long waits of a pediatrician’s office or the high costs of an ER visit. Whether it’s strep, flu, or an eye infection, we’re here to help, 7 days a week.