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Back-to-school season brings new teachers, fresh notebooks, and a schedule packed with activities but it also brings something far less welcome: germs.

When children return to classrooms, they’re suddenly in close contact with dozens (if not hundreds) of other kids. Shared supplies, high-touch surfaces, and still-developing hygiene habits create a perfect storm for illness.

Here are the top 5 back-to-school illnesses that most commonly sweep through classrooms and how you can help your child stay healthy all season long.

1. The Common Cold

Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, and occasional cough.
Why it spreads: Rhinoviruses are easily transmitted through the air and on surfaces (think shared crayons, desks, and doorknobs.)

Prevention Tips:

• Encourage regular handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds (especially before eating and after recess or bathroom breaks).
  
  
• Teach kids to sneeze or cough into their elbow, not their hands.
  
  
• Send them with their own water bottle and remind them not to share.
  
  

Fun tip: Practice handwashing at home with a song; 20 seconds = about one round of “Twinkle Twinkle” or “Happy Birthday.”

2. Strep Throat

Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils, and stomachache in younger children.
Why it spreads: Group A Streptococcus bacteria spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Prevention Tips:

• Don’t share forks, spoons, water bottles, or lip balm.
  
  
• If your child has a sore throat with a fever, don’t wait. Schedule a quick test. Untreated strep can lead to complications.
  
  

Note: Antibiotics can quickly treat strep, but your child should stay home for at least 24 hours after starting treatment to avoid spreading it.

3. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Symptoms: Red or pink, itchy eyes; watery or yellow/green discharge; crusty lashes (especially in the morning).
Why it spreads: Pink eye is highly contagious—whether viral or bacterial—and spreads easily via unwashed hands and shared items.

Prevention Tips:

• Reinforce the habit: “Don’t touch your eyes.”
  
  
• Provide hand sanitizer when soap isn’t nearby.
  
  
• Disinfect shared electronics (like tablets) and avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or face cloths.
  
  

Bonus tip: If your child wakes up with gunky eyes, keep them home and call your doctor. Some cases require prescription drops.

4. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.
Why it spreads: Caused by viruses like norovirus and rotavirus, it spreads through contaminated hands, food, or surfaces.

Prevention Tips:

• Always wash hands before meals and after the restroom.
  
  
• Avoid shared snacks or drinks.
  
  
• Teach little ones not to put fingers or objects in their mouth unnecessarily.
  
  

Important: If your child is throwing up or has diarrhea, keep them home for at least 24 hours after symptoms stop to reduce spread.

5. Head Lice

Symptoms: Itchy scalp, tickling feeling, visible nits (eggs) near the scalp, especially behind ears or at the nape of the neck.
Why it spreads: Lice crawl (not jump) and spread through direct head-to-head contact and shared personal items.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, hair accessories, and headphones.
  
  
• Tie long hair back in braids or buns.
  
  
• Teach kids not to lean heads together during play or selfies.
  
  

Reminder: Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene. They’re just annoying and very common in school-aged children.

Start Strong: Prevention Is Key

Want to give your child the best chance at a healthy school year? Start with these:

1. Schedule a back-to-school wellness check. This is a great time to check growth, mental health, and vision.
2. Make sure vaccinations are current. Staying up to date protects your child and those around them.
3. Teach (and model) good hygiene habits. Children are more likely to follow your lead.
4. Talk about stress and emotions. Sometimes, “sick” can be emotional, not just physical. Don’t overlook the mental side of health—especially in older kids.

You’ve Got This

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to the doctor every week. With a little preparation and some healthy habits, your child can thrive this year in mind and body.