With the return to school, it's common for "back to school" illnesses to make an appearance. But worry not, Pediatric Affiliates is here to support you during this time and help you navigate through it with minimal stress.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that children often experience 3 or 4 separate illnesses throughout the school year. These illnesses tend to cluster during the fall and winter, creating the perception that your child is frequently unwell. However, it's essential to remember that these are typically just multiple normal illnesses occurring in close succession.
Some of the more common school illnesses that we see are:
Upper Respiratory Infection or “The Common Cold”
Upper respiratory infections typically start with mild nasal stuffiness or a runny nose, which can initially resemble allergy symptoms. However, after 3-4 days, symptoms become more severe and may include a cough, sore throat, or ear pain. These infections usually resolve after about 10 days. They are caused by multiple viruses and do not require antibiotic treatment.
Allergies V. The Common Cold
How can you tell if your child has allergic rhinitis (‘allergies” or “hay fever”) versus a common cold? Although symptoms can be similar, allergic rhinitis usually does not get worse and then better, and it tends to linger for weeks at a time. There may be no fever or cough. If you think your child might have allergic rhinitis, ask us for the best way to help with symptoms.
Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It particularly affects children and young individuals worldwide each year. The flu is known for its rapid onset and can cause a range of symptoms, varying from mild to severe. Children are especially susceptible to the virus due to their developing immune systems and frequent interactions in school and daycare settings.
Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected child coughs, sneezes, or talks, making close contact environments a common source of transmission. Additionally, the flu virus can be contracted by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and subsequently touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. It is crucial to take preventive measures, such as proper hand hygiene and vaccination, to protect children from the flu and its potential complications.
Influenza, the illness, CAN make you very sick, and many children and adults end up hospitalized every year due to this illness. At the very least, your child will miss 3-5 days of school if he or she gets the flu-which also means YOU will miss 3-4 days of work, also.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, also known as "stomach infection," is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally fever and abdominal pain. It is a common illness that typically resolves within a week and generally does not require medication. However, certain circumstances may warrant medical attention for your child.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HF&M) is a viral infection that primarily affects young children. It is characterized by the development of a rash on the hands, feet, and mouth, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and mouth sores. HF&M is a common illness among children and is typically caused by the coxsackievirus or enterovirus.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, or sinus infection, often occurs as a complication of an upper respiratory infection. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, facial pain, and cough. Most sinus infections in children are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Severe symptoms or prolonged duration may warrant medical attention.
Lice
Head lice infestations are common among school-age children and are transmitted through contact with infested peers. It's important to note that lice infestations are not related to cleanliness. Common symptoms include scalp itching and the presence of visible lice. Over-the-counter treatments are typically the first step, but medical attention may be necessary if symptoms persist.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. It requires treatment with antibiotics. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and redness of the throat with white patches on the tonsils. Strep throat is highly contagious and proper hygiene practices are important to prevent its spread.
How can I help prevent illness?
First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that your child receives all the recommended immunizations. Following the full immunization schedule is the best and most effective way to protect your child from preventable illnesses. Vaccines play a crucial role in safeguarding against a wide range of diseases and infections. They are designed to stimulate the immune system and provide long-lasting immunity. To ensure your child receives the appropriate vaccinations at the recommended ages, consult our comprehensive immunization schedule, which outlines the vaccines necessary for their optimal health and protection. By staying up to date with vaccinations, you can significantly reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses and promote a healthier future for your child.
Next, hand washing. Antibacterial soap is NOT recommended, as it can be harmful and does not improve protection from infections. Use regular soap and warm water to wash your hands before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose will help reduce the spread of germs.
Don’t share food or drinks with other kids. Kids like to share, which is good, except when it comes to germs. Drinking after another person from a bottle or cup, eating from the same plate, or sharing utensils is a great way to spread infections, so remind your children not to do this.
Use a tissue when you wipe your nose or sneeze, and put it in the trash when you are finished. Then, wash your hands or use a squirt of hand sanitizer afterward. This will help keep germs off of the objects you touch and help keep germs from spreading. Many viruses can live for a few hours on hard surfaces like desks, doorknobs, computer keys, and toys. Remind your children of this, and make sure they have a pack of tissues and a bottle of hand sanitizer to put in their backpack or desk for school.
Finally, try to keep your child away from other people when your child is sick, and keep your child away from others who are sick. When there are multiple children in the household, utilizing masks can be an effective strategy to reduce the chance of spreading diseases. Masks act as a protective barrier, preventing respiratory droplets from being released into the air when children talk, cough, or sneeze. By wearing masks, children can help protect their siblings and other family members from potential infections.
When should I keep my child home from school?
To determine when it is appropriate for your child to stay home from school, there are a few key indicators to consider. If your child's body temperature exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advisable for them to remain at home until their fever subsides and an additional 24 hours have passed. Similarly, if your child is experiencing frequent coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea that necessitates frequent bathroom visits, it is best to keep them home to prevent the spread of any potential illnesses.
If you are a current patient of Pediatric Affiliates of Hampton Roads and your child requires a same-day sick visit, scheduling an appointment is straightforward. Simply contact our office during regular business hours and inform the receptionist that your child needs an immediate appointment. Our staff will work diligently to accommodate your request and arrange for a same-day sick visit, ensuring your child receives the necessary care without delay.
If you're looking for a new pediatrician in the Virginia Beach area, consider choosing Pediatric Affiliates of Hampton Roads. Our experienced pediatricians are dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to children of all ages. With our personalized approach and commitment to patient care, you can feel confident that your child is in good hands. So why wait? If your child needs a pediatrician, make an appointment with Pediatric Affiliates of Hampton Roads today and give your child the care and support they need to thrive.