As the new school year begins, most families are focused on supplies, clothes, and meeting new teachers. But another big part of getting ready is protecting your child’s health. Classrooms are one of the easiest places for contagious illnesses to spread. While many of these are common and usually pass quickly, some can become serious if they aren’t treated in time. At First Priority ER, we want parents to understand what to watch for, how to prevent infections, and when to bring a child in for emergency care.
The Common Cold and Flu
Colds and the flu are some of the most frequent illnesses children pick up in school. They spread quickly through coughs, sneezes, and shared surfaces. Prevention often comes down to good hygiene — encouraging kids to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing, and avoid sharing drinks or utensils.
Symptoms can include fever, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and chills. Most of the time, these illnesses resolve with rest and fluids. However, they can turn into an emergency if your child develops difficulty breathing, chest pain, gray or bluish lips or nails, or signs of severe dehydration such as no tears when crying or a persistently dry mouth. When normal cold or flu symptoms become more severe, it’s time to visit the ER.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is another infection that spreads easily in schools. It can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces, through close contact with someone infected, or simply by rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands. Preventive steps include frequent handwashing, avoiding unnecessary face-touching, and making sure contact lenses are properly cleaned if your child wears them.
Children with pink eye often have red, itchy, or burning eyes, sometimes accompanied by swelling, discharge, or sensitivity to light. While pink eye is usually mild, emergency care may be necessary if your child experiences severe pain, blurred vision, or if symptoms worsen quickly despite home care.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is another highly contagious illness that often makes its rounds once school is in session. It spreads when kids cough, sneeze, or touch shared items without washing their hands. Preventing strep is similar to preventing colds — handwashing, not sharing personal items, and keeping some distance from sick peers are the best defenses.
A child with strep throat will typically complain of a sore throat and may also develop a fever, headache, or runny nose. If untreated, strep can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, or skin. If your child’s sore throat worsens, lasts longer than expected, or is paired with a high fever, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)
The so-called “stomach flu” isn’t actually the flu but a highly contagious viral infection that causes gastrointestinal issues. Kids usually catch it by sharing food or drinks, eating contaminated food, or being in close contact with someone who is sick. Washing hands before meals and avoiding shared utensils are simple but effective prevention measures.
Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. Most cases resolve within a few days, but warning signs that call for emergency care include persistent high fever, dehydration, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain. If symptoms don’t improve after three to four days, it’s time for a medical evaluation.
When to Turn to First Priority ER
Most school-year illnesses are part of growing up, but parents should know when to take the next step. Serious symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, vision changes, severe dehydration, or worsening pain are signs that emergency care is needed.
At First Priority ER in New Braunfels and Cibolo, we’re here 24/7 with board-certified physicians, onsite labs and radiology, and short wait times. Our team provides fast, compassionate care for children and families so you don’t have to sit in a crowded hospital ER wondering if your child’s condition will worsen.
As your child heads back to school, keep prevention in mind and pay attention to how symptoms progress. And if trouble does arise, know that First Priority ER is always ready to help your family feel better, faster.
