How to Protect Your Child From Common Illnesses Caught at School

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 60 million school days are missed each year in the U.S. due to illnesses. The main reason? Viruses and bacteria are easily spread among schoolchildren through close contact and the sharing of equipment and supplies.

If you’re concerned about your child getting sick at school, you’re not alone. Here are three common illnesses caught at school, along with some tips on how to prevent them:

1. The Common Cold

This highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection usually triggers an immune system response that causes general misery in the form of coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, a sore throat, headache, and mild fever. In most cases, a cold is harmless and its symptoms resolve within two weeks. In the meantime, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get sufficient rest. If a fever lasts for more than five days, or if cold symptoms include nausea or diarrhea, you should take your child to the doctor.

To help your child avoid getting sick with the common cold, be sure to explain the importance of frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water. Also, tell your child not to touch his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

2. Influenza (the Flu)

The flu is an exceedingly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses. Usually, its symptoms come on hard and fast. In addition to typical cold symptoms, such as a coughing, a sore throat, headache and fever, the flu can cause extreme fatigue, body aches, and chills.

The single best way to prevent seasonal influenza is to receive an annual flu shot (if appropriate). Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, which can help stop the spread of germs and prevent the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

3. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the covering of the white portion of the eyeball), which may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Its symptoms include eye irritation, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, itching, swollen eyelids, and redness in the whites of the eyes (“pink eye”).

When caused by a virus, pink eye usually resolves on its own. However, when caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be required. In general, you should take your child to the doctor if his or her symptoms are severe or do not improve within a few days.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are extremely contagious and easily spread through contact with eye secretions from an infected person. Remind your child not to touch or rub his or her eyes, and not to share towels, blankets, cosmetics, eyeglasses, or contact lenses with others.

When to Keep Your Child Home From School

As a general rule of thumb, if your child isn’t feeling well or has a fever, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, or pink eye, it would be a good idea to allow him or her to rest at home for a day or two. If you’re unsure, the medical professionals at South Tampa Immediate Care can help. Contact us, or feel free to visit our urgent care center in Tampa, FL, today.