Back to school season is the start of a new routine for your family. It is a time of excitement, and learning, but it also is a time with increased close contact with kids within the classroom. This increases your child’s likelihood of contracting an illness during the fall months. Learn about what illness you could come across this back to school season so that you’re prepared.

Common Fall Illnesses

Back to school time brings its own unique challenges to every family. One of these challenges tends to be an increase of illnesses in the household. Although back to school time is very exciting, it also increases the chances of you and your family getting ill. This is mostly because of the increased close contact between children while at school.

Infections already spread like wildfire during the fall due to the change in weather, which weakens our immune systems. However, the increased contact with other kids at school can allow infections to spread to entire classrooms in days. Because many viruses have incubation periods of a few days where symptoms may not appear, this also increases your chances of getting sick from your child. What illnesses should you watch out for? Here are some common fall illnesses that are associated with back to school time:

• Flu
• Cold
• Mono
• Pink Eye
• Stomach Bug

What is so special about this group of illnesses that makes them so spreadable to children in the fall? They’re all caused by viruses. Viruses are incredibly contagious via direct contact with infected cells. This can occur by touching the same surface as a sick person, like a doorknob or sink faucet. It can also spread through the air via droplets produced by sneezing or coughing which then can be breathed in by other kids.

Fall Illness Prevention Tips

Preventing illnesses in children is particularly difficult at times depending on their age. Without proper help, they often cannot effectively wash their hands, or do not have the opportunity to do so while at school. This increases their chances of having viruses infecting them. Similarly, schools do not disinfect common areas between every child. So, how do you prevent your child from getting sick if the odds are against them in the school setting?

• Teach proper hand washing: teaching your child proper hand washing with soap is essential to keeping them healthy while at school. It also could be useful, if age appropriate, to pack them hand sanitizer to use throughout the day.
• Wash their clothing and school supplies regularly: wiping down their folders with disinfectant may be a good way to ensure viruses don’t come home with them.
• Keep them home if they are sick: it is the right thing to do so that they don’t get other kids sick, even if their symptoms are not severe.

Does My Child Need to go to Urgent Care for Their Symptoms?

Children are at risk for severe illness caused by aggressive viruses such as the flu. If you suspect your child has the flu, or is experiencing severe symptoms, they should get evaluated by a medical professional. Early detection will allow for early diagnosis and treatment, which will lessen the symptoms.

Most of the time, viruses are fought off by our bodies on their own after about a week. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and using over the counter medications to treat symptoms should allow for a swift recovery. If your child is experiencing life threatening symptoms, or has a high fever, you should seek medical care at the emergency room.

Get General Illness Care Near Bound Brook, NJ by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook Today

Having a sick child is never fun. Not only does it put strain on your family, but it also increases your risk of getting sick yourself. Stay aware of the health status of your child’s classroom and take steps to prevent illness so that your child can enjoy their time back at school.

If you or your child is feeling sick, AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook is here to help. Our experienced medical staff is available to provide quick diagnosis with on-site lab testing available, so that you can get back to feeling your best. Visit our patient services page to learn more about the conditions that we treat, or call us directly to speak to a medical provider today at (732) 469-3627.