Kids are back in school – and so are the sniffles, sneezes, and a few other not-so-fun contagious bugs. Studies show that kids pick up the most illnesses in the first month or two of the school year, as their systems adjust and they’re exposed to new germs. With close quarters, shared desks, playground time, and plenty of high fives, it’s no wonder bugs get an easy ride.
Your kiddo can’t dodge every back-to-school illness, but with a little preparation and simple prevention strategies, you can help keep them healthy and minimize missed school days.
What are the most common school-age illnesses?
If it seems like your child is always coming down with something, it’s not your imagination. School is prime time for germs to spread, and several illnesses tend to make regular appearances during the school year, including:
- Colds. Kids usually get 6 to 8 colds a year, especially in the fall and winter. Typical signs include runny noses, sneezes, and mild coughs.
- Flu. Hits harder than the common cold, with fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. Annual vaccination is the best defense.
- Stomach bugs. Viruses that trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps can sweep through a classroom fast.
- Pink eye. This eye infection causes redness and itchiness and spreads quickly through contact.
- Strep throat. A bacterial infection marked by a very sore throat, fever and swollen glands.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease. This mild and highly contagious viral infection is common in young children. Symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores, headache, and a rash on the hands and feet.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Most common in younger children, causing cough, congestion, and sometimes wheezing.
- Ear infections. Not contagious, but often follow a cold and can result in ear pain and irritability.
And while not technically an illness, head lice are another common menace in schools. Knowing how to spot and treat an outbreak can save your family a lot of stress. Learn more about head lice.
Why do young kids get sick so often?
Younger children are especially vulnerable to illness. Kids under 7 have still-developing immune systems, making them more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. They’re also more likely to put their hands or fingers in their mouths and may forget to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing – all of which makes it easier for germs to spread.
The upside? While younger kids may catch illnesses more often, they’re also building immunity to many common germs over time.
What can I do to keep my child healthy and in school?
Healthy habits go a long way toward keeping your child – and your family – healthier throughout the school year.
Frequent handwashing is the simplest and most effective way to stop germs. Teach your kids to wash hands:
- Before eating.
- After using the bathroom.
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.
- After playing outside or sharing toys or other personal items.
Here’s a primer on how to wash hands (the right way):
- Wet hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather well.
- Scrub all parts of the hands – palms, backs, between fingers, and under nails – for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice).
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol – but remind kids it’s not a substitute for good handwashing.
Along with frequent handwashing, here are some other ways to keep your kids healthy in school:
- Send them prepared. Pack hand sanitizer and tissues in their backpack so they can practice good hygiene on the go.
- Teach them sneeze and cough etiquette. Show them how to cover with a tissue or elbow instead of their hands.
- Remind them not to share personal items. Reinforce the importance of not swapping drinks, food, lip balm, earbuds, or hats.
- Make sure they eat a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and protein support a strong immune system.
- Prioritize sleep. School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night to stay healthy and focused.
- Keep vaccinations up to date. Vaccines protect against illnesses that spread quickly in classrooms.
When should I keep my child home from school?
When your child does get sick, time to rest and recover at home is best for them – and everyone else. But it can be tough to know whether or not your child is well enough for class. As a general rule, keep your child home if they have:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
- A sore throat with fever (possible strep throat)
- Red, painful eyes with thick discharge (possible pink eye)
- A rash that’s spreading or unexplained
- Any illness that makes them too tired, uncomfortable, or unable to participate in normal school activities
When in doubt, check your child’s school about guidelines or talk with a health care clinician.
Indigo is here when back-to-school bugs strike
No matter how careful you are, kids still get sick. And when they do, Indigo is here to help get them back on track.
Our friendly clinicians diagnose and treat most common classroom illnesses – from sniffles and sore throats to stomach bugs, pink eye, and more. With extended hours, same-day and next-day appointments and Virtual Care visits, Indigo fits easily in to your family’s busy schedule. In person or virtually, we’re here from 8 am to 8 pm, every day.
Quick, convenient care means healthier kids, fewer absences, and more gold stars all around.
