From catching up with friends and returning to the classroom to joining sports teams and after-school activities, back-to-school season can be an exciting and busy time for students and families.
Along with all that activity, however, comes increased exposure to germs and a greater chance of everyday injuries. Students spend hours sharing classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds, making it easier for illnesses to spread. At the same time, sports practices and other physical activities can lead to cuts, sprains, and other minor injuries.
Before the school year gets too busy, take a moment to review healthy habits with your child. Regular handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help limit the spread of germs and protect your family.
At AFC Urgent Care Oregon City, our medical team treats a variety of common illnesses and minor injuries that can affect students throughout the school year. Here are four health concerns families should know about and signs that it may be time to visit your local AFC Urgent Care in Oregon City.
1: A Sudden Sore Throat: Could It Be Strep?
Sore throats are common among school-aged children, but a sore throat that develops suddenly and becomes increasingly painful may be more than a minor irritation. In some cases, it could be strep throat, a contagious bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus 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 or is experiencing several of these symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Oregon City 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.
Strep throat is not the cause of every painful throat. Viral illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and viral pharyngitis, can also lead to throat discomfort. Symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and hoarseness are generally more commonly associated with viral infections than strep throat.
2: Playground and Sports: Common Orthopedic Injuries
The new school year often means students are playing in organized sports and trying new playground activities, which can result in minor injuries caused by occasional falls, collisions, or awkward movements.
Cuts and Lacerations
Some wounds may need more attention than a simple bandage. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, cuts and lacerations your student experiences may require professional medical treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Oregon City, our providers examine your student’s wound and determine the most appropriate course of care, which may include:
- Stitches
- Tissue adhesive
- Protective dressings
- Staples
For qualifying wounds, AFC Urgent Care Oregon City can provide staple closure, giving families a convenient option for injury care without the long waits and higher costs that may come with an emergency room visit.
Sprains, Falls, and Other Minor Orthopedic Concerns
A hard landing 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 when appropriate.
Common orthopedic concerns we can evaluate include, but are not limited to:
- Ankle sprains
- Fractured wrists
- Elbow injuries
- Knee pain
- Stress fractures
When recommended by your medical provider, your student could also receive an X-ray using our on-site X-ray machine and lab.
What Is “Backpack-itis”?
“Backpack-itis” may not be an official medical diagnosis, but is used to describe head, neck, or shoulder discomfort related to carrying a backpack that is too heavy. An overloaded backpack may also contribute to poor posture and unnecessary strain.
To help reduce discomfort, try to keep your student’s backpack at no more than 10% of their body weight. A backpack with wide, padded straps may provide additional support, and encouraging your child to use both straps instead of carrying the backpack over one shoulder may also help reduce strain.
3: Stomach Flu Symptoms: What Parents Should Watch For
Despite its commonly used name, the stomach flu is not actually influenza. Influenza affects the respiratory system, while viral gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, affects the digestive tract and intestines instead. The stomach flu is spread through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Common stomach flu symptoms may include:
- 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. According to the Mayo Clinic, your student may need medical attention if stomach flu symptoms are accompanied by:
- A fever of 102°F or higher
- Bloody diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
4: Red, Itchy, or Irritated Eyes? It May Be Pink Eye
Red or uncomfortable eyes can be another common concern during the school year. Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, can spread easily in environments where students spend time in close contact with one another.
Symptoms may include redness and swelling of the eye, 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 conjunctivitis. Allergies can also cause symptoms that may feel similar.
According to the National Eye Institute, pink eye is one of the most common eye problems affecting both children and adults. In schools, the condition can spread more easily when students touch their eyes without washing their hands. Direct contact and shared personal items, such as towels and glasses, may also contribute to transmission.
Viral pink eye is the most common form and often improves without medication within one to two weeks, although symptoms may sometimes last longer. Bacterial pink eye, on the other hand, may require prescription eye drops.
A visit to AFC Urgent Care Oregon City can help determine what may be causing your student’s eye symptoms and whether treatment is necessary. If symptoms worsen quickly or your student develops thick discharge from the eyes, it may be time to seek medical attention.
Help Your Student Stay Healthy This School Year
Whether your student is dealing with a sore throat, stomach flu symptoms, pink eye, a cut, or sprain, AFC Urgent Care Oregon City is here to provide convenient and quality medical care. Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended hours, making it easier to get your child evaluated when unexpected illnesses and injuries interrupt the school day.
Schedule your appointment online at AFC Urgent Care Oregon City and help your student get back to feeling their best.