5 Most Common Types of Sickness in Schools that Lead to ER Visits

Because schools are environments where children come into close contact with one another, they are always hotspots for the spread of various illnesses. That being said, sickness in schools is no joke, especially for parents who have to take care of ill children. Kids can get sick pretty often during this time; therefore, knowing what symptoms to look for can help parents implement measures to prevent these illnesses and ensure the well-being of their children.

The 5 most common illnesses in schools that can lead to ER visits are:

1. Influenza (flu): A highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to fever, body aches, and fatigue.
2. Strep throat: A bacterial infection resulting in a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
3. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Often caused by norovirus, this illness leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
4. Conjunctivitis (pink eye): An eye infection that causes redness, itching, and discharge; it can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
5. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: A viral illness causing sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, common in younger children.

In this article, we will explore these common childhood illnesses, their causes, symptoms, and the preventive measures you can take to keep your child healthy while they’re in school. 

Worried about your child getting sick at school? Follow these back-to-school health tips!

1. Influenza (flu)

Influenza viruses cause the flu and can be highly contagious. Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of the common cold but are more severe and may include:

• High fever
• Body aches
• Chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache

As one of the more common preschool illnesses, the flu can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. The best way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccinations, good hygiene practices, and staying home when sick. Schools should also have protocols in place for handling outbreaks and allowing students time to recover at home.

So, what should you do if your child has the flu? It is important to monitor their symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary, as well as keep them isolated from others to prevent the virus from spreading further. Don’t let your child go to school with the flu and risk getting other children sick. 

Learn more about RSV treatment and symptoms

2. Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that commonly affects school-aged children. They can get strep throat the same way they get the cold or the flu. It can be incredibly painful, is highly contagious, and can cause symptoms such as:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If your child has these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. Children with strep throat should also stay home from school until they have been on medication for at least 24 hours.

3. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is an infection of the digestive tract caused by a virus or bacteria. Gastroenteritis symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

Stomach flu can easily spread in schools through contact with contaminated surfaces or sharing food and drinks. Young children are known to put just about anything and everything into their mouths, so teaching them what is appropriate and not appropriate is crucial to prevent this. They should not share food or drink with other students, especially if they’re sick.  

Good hygiene practices and staying home when sick are important for preventing its spread. Keeping your child hydrated and rested while recovering from stomach flu is also essential for them to get better sooner.

4. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants can cause it. Symptoms may include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Discharge from the eye

Pink eye is highly contagious and can easily spread in schools through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Children with pink eye should stay home until their symptoms have resolved or they have been on medication for at least 24 hours. Good hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing and avoiding touching the eyes, can also help prevent its spread.

5. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children under the age of five. It is highly contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with infected stool, saliva, or blister fluid. Your child may experience

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Rash on the palms of hands and soles of feet
• Painful blisters in the mouth 

While there is no specific treatment for HFMD, good hygiene can prevent its spread. This includes regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. Children with HFMD should stay home until their symptoms have resolved.

When to keep a child home from school

If your child is always sick since starting school, it can be tempting to send them to school even when they are not feeling well. However, it is important to know when to keep a child home from school to prevent the spread of illnesses and ensure their own health and well-being. 

Some common reasons to keep a child home from school include:

• Fever: If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, they should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: Children experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should stay home for at least 24 hours until these symptoms have subsided. This is to prevent the spread of stomach viruses and allow your child time to recover.
• Contagious illnesses: As mentioned earlier, illnesses like HFMD or the flu are highly contagious and can easily spread among children. If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness, they should stay home until they are no longer contagious.
• Severe cough or cold symptoms: While mild cough or cold symptoms may not warrant staying home from school, if your child has a severe cough that interferes with their ability to participate in class or sleep at night, it is advisable to keep them home until their symptoms improve.
• Rashes: Some rashes, such as those associated with chickenpox or scabies, are highly contagious and require your child to stay home until they are no longer contagious. It is best to consult with a doctor before sending your child back to school if they have a rash.

Every school may have different guidelines for when a child should stay home due to illness, so be sure to check with your child’s school for their specific policies before making a decision. 

Additionally, if your child has a chronic illness or condition that may require them to stay home more frequently, it is important to discuss this with their teacher and come up with a plan for accommodating their needs.

Complete Care is here for all your child’s healthcare needs!

While we know parents try their best to keep their kids away from sickness in school, it’s not always possible. When your child inevitably brings something home from a classmate, Complete Care’s freestanding ER for adults and children is here to support you. 

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch care for your child throughout Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs, from diagnosing common illnesses to offering treatment plans aimed at swift recovery. 

Remember, a proactive approach to your child’s health includes having a reliable healthcare partner like Complete Care to turn to whenever illness strikes.

More Helpful Articles by Complete Care:

• What to Bring to the ER
• What Does ER Blood Work Check For?
• 5 Gardening Safety Tips
• Should I Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident?
• Most Common Baseball Injuries