The first few months of back-to-school can be really hard for kids, especially when they are more likely to have a sudden illness or cough during this time. Seasonal illnesses spread quickly in schools at all levels, which leads to cough symptoms among many children.

Fall season is when cough spreads quickly along with other symptoms from various illnesses and viruses. As more people spend time indoors, and are in close contact with one another, the illnesses most associated during the fall and winter can rapidly spread.

But what are the specific illnesses that impact your child’s cough? What are some emergent illnesses in 2022 that are contributing to your child’s cough? Here is a list of some of the most common illnesses attributed to cough:

Common cold and flu is a major driver of cough symptoms

The common cold and influenza are two different, but related, illnesses that are the most common cause of cough in children. These two illnesses spread significantly throughout the fall season and within schools among students, as well as staff.

Common colds are caused by seasonal rhinoviruses that aren’t preventable by vaccine, but only through normal hygiene and public safety practices. Influenza or “the flu” causes more significant symptoms for younger children but can be prevented with a flu shot. Both common colds and flu are very resilient and adapt each season making them the most frequent illnesses that cause cough.

COVID-19 is still a public health concern that leads to frequent cough symptoms

COVID-19 is now far less impactful on overall health with the advent of new vaccines and public health knowledge, but it can still spread quickly throughout schools and cause moderate cough symptoms.

The COVID-19 virus mutates year-to-year, just like influenza, which means that seasonal boosters and vaccines are needed to help. While major initial vaccines help reduce the threat of serious health implications of COVID-19, children previously vaccinated can still get sick from a new strain of COVID.

This means that COVID is also a major contributor of cough symptoms and may cause more significant irritation in children. Parents should get their child tested and then rest/quarantine their child as needed if COVID advisories are prominent in their community.

RSV is an emergent disease that impacts child health: get RSV testing at AFC Urgent Care Centennial

Respiratory Syncytial Virus or “RSV” has made recent national headlines as a major emergent disease this 2022 fall season. RSV most commonly impacts younger children and can cause cough symptoms along with other serious symptoms for infants.

The CDC reports that RSV has led to increased hospitalizations and ER visits in the last few weeks. When patients need to get RSV testing for their child it helps to visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial before taking the extra expense and wait for ER care.

The provider team at AFC Urgent Care Centennial can ensure that your child is getting an accurate diagnosis along with recommended coordinated care any day of the week. Parents don’t have to wait for hours in the ER just for a diagnosis: our team accepts walk-in patients and does booking online.

Simply visit our website and book today, or walk-in with your child at our clinic directly!