School is back in session, and, with it, a busy schedule for the whole family and increased chance of illness and minor injuries. Shared spaces make it easier for germs to circulate among the student body, while sports and other physical activities could lead to cuts, sprains, and minor injuries.
This blog outlines 4 of the most common illnesses and injuries your family could face this school year. When you learn the signs and symptoms, you will know when to visit your local AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver for prompt and quality family care.
1: Strep Throat
A sore throat that develops suddenly and becomes increasingly painful could be strep throat, a contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. Common strep throat symptoms may include:
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Fever that may develop suddenly, sometimes with 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, visit AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver 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. If the rapid strep test is positive, antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
2: Minor Orthopedic & Injuries
As students return to school playgrounds and physical activities, minor injuries and orthopedic concerns can happen. Sprains, strains, falls, and awkward movements vary in severity and each require different treatment.
Sprains, Falls, and Other Minor Orthopedic Concerns
A hard landing on the playground can leave your student with pain, swelling, or limited movement. Our medical providers can evaluate many orthopedic concerns and provide stabilization, bracing, and symptom relief when appropriate. When recommended by your medical provider, your student could also receive an X-ray using our on-site X-ray machine and lab.
Common orthopedic concerns we evaluate include, but are not limited to:
- Ankle sprains
- Fractured wrists
- Elbow injuries
- Knee pain
- Stress fractures
Cuts and Lacerations
Depending on the location and depth of the injury, your student’s cuts or lacerations could require stiches, tissue adhesive, or protective dressing. Our providers at AFC Minnehaha-Vancouver will examine your student’s wound and determine the best treatment.
For qualifying wounds, we can provide staple closure, offering your family a convenient treatment option without the long waits and higher costs that typically come with an emergency room visit.
“Backpack-itis”
“Backpack-itis” is a non-medical term that describes head, neck, or shoulder discomfort caused by carrying a backpack that is too heavy. If your student complains about that type of discomfort, ensure their backpack is not heavier than 10% of their body weight. A backpack with wide, padded straps may provide additional support, and encouraging your child to use both straps may also help reduce strain.
3: Stomach Flu
The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, affects the digestive tract and intestines and is spread through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. Common and uncomfortable stomach flu symptoms are:
- 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 crucial. Regular handwashing limits the likelihood of encountering stomach flu germs and remains one of the most effective ways to protect your family.
However, if your student experiences stomach flu symptoms, bring them to AFC Urgent Care with any of these severe symptoms:
- A fever of 102°F or higher
- Bloody diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
4: Pink Eye
Red and itchy eyes caused by pink eye, or conjunctivitis, spreads easily in school when students share personal items and touch their eyes without washing their hands.
Symptoms of pink eye also include swelling of the eye, blurry vision, light sensitivity, pain, or the sensation that something is stuck in the eye. Pink eye is one of the most common eye problems affecting both children and adults, according to the National Eye Institute.
Pink eye can be either viral or bacterial. Viral pink eye, the most common form, often improves without medication within one to two weeks, although bacterial pink eye may require prescription eye drops.
If your student eye symptoms worsen quickly or they develop thick discharge from the eyes, it may be time to visit AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver.
Back-to-School Care at AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver
Back-to-school illnesses and minor injuries quickly add chaos to your family’s already busy school schedule. Whether your student suffers from a sore throat, itchy eyes, diarrhea, or a minor injury, AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver offers convenient and quality medical care near you. With extended hours seven days a week, our experienced team of medical providers ensures your child is evaluated, diagnosed, and on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Schedule your appointment online at AFC Urgent Care Minnehaha-Vancouver today!