Going back to school means seeing old friends and making new ones, learning new skills, and returning to routines and schedules. It also means close contact with other kids, which increases the chance of getting sick or having an accident.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the most common back-to-school injuries and illnesses.
Common Back-to-School Injuries
- Falls – Falls are the leading cause of injury among children. A fall can happen anywhere, from a crowded hallway to tripping over a backpack or slipping on a spill in the cafeteria. Injuries resulting from falls can vary in severity, from minor bruises and sprains to more serious fractures.
- Playground Accidents – Playgrounds are great places for kids to run off energy, but they’re also the site for many accidents. Common playground injuries include bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, and fractures. However, broken bones, dislocations, and concussions can also occur.
- Sports Injuries – Participating in school sports increases the potential risk of injuries. Common sports injuries include pulled muscles, sprained ankles, fractures, and concussions.
- Backpack-related Injuries – Carrying heavy backpacks can strain muscles and joints, leading to back, shoulder, and neck pain. Over time, this strain can cause musculoskeletal issues like spinal misalignment and posture problems. To prevent backpack-related injuries, weigh your child with and without their full backpack and make sure it doesn’t weigh more than 10% of your child’s weight. Also, encourage your child to wear both straps and remove unnecessary items.
Common Back-to-School Illnesses
- Colds – A cold is the most common illness during the school year. It’s typically caused by a virus, which means antibiotics aren’t necessary. Symptoms are usually mild, with congestion, runny nose, and cough. Sometimes, children get a sore throat and/or fever with a cold. If they don’t have a fever, it’s usually OK for them to go to school. Teach your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue.
- Flu – The flu typically causes body aches, high fever, congestion, runny nose, and cough. Keep sick kids home from school until the fever subsides, and they regain their energy. Prevention is crucial when it comes to flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu shot for those six months and older.
- Strep Throat – Symptoms of this bacterial infection often include a sore throat, fever, headache, and stomachache. Strep throat is highly contagious, especially if sharing drinks and eating utensils. Antibiotics are needed to prevent complications from the infection.
- Stomach Flu – Gastroenteritis is a virus affecting the stomach and intestines. It causes vomiting and diarrhea and is very contagious. Make sure your child stays hydrated when they have the stomach flu.
- Pink Eye – Conjunctivitis causes red eyes with green or yellow drainage. Your child’s eyes may be sealed shut in the morning from crusting discharge. If this happens, gently soften and wipe away the discharge with a warm, wet washcloth. Pink eye is highly contagious and can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Sometimes, antibiotic eye drops are needed to clear the infection.
- Impetigo – Symptoms of this highly contagious skin infection include sores and blisters on the face, neck, and hands. Keep any open sores clean, and make sure your child doesn’t scratch the rash.
Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Impetigo and How it Differs from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
How to Avoid Getting Sick this School Year?
Frequent and thorough hand-washing! Teach your child to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. Also, teach them how to wash their hands thoroughly – wet hands with water, lather them with soap and scrub together for 20 seconds before rinsing with clean water. (The CDC recommends signing or humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice as a timer.) Finally, rinse hands with water and dry them with a clean towel.
Integrity Urgent Care Can Help If your child gets one of these common back-to-school injuries or illnesses, Integrity Urgent Care is here to help! Our 22 convenient locations are open daily with extended hours so you can get the care you need – when you need it. Find a provider near you and walk in or check in online.
