Common Illnesses to Be Prepared for This School Year   

Child in a pink jacket and blue gloves holding a tissue to nose while walking on a tree-lined path covered with autumn leaves.

August 10, 2026 | Tags: Wellness

When your child goes back to school, their immune system is exposed to more germs. This can be taxing on their health and yours. Illnesses can quickly spread in a classroom, meaning your child may bring home more than homework. Knowing common illnesses and their symptoms can help keep them healthy and your family safe this school year. 

What are some common childhood illnesses? 

Some illnesses share symptoms, so determining which is which can be difficult. Talk to your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider (PCP) to get a concrete diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Respiratory illnesses 

Upper and lower respiratory illnesses like the common cold, influenza (aka the flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) frequent classrooms. These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with symptoms including: 

  • Sneezing, nasal congestion or runny nose 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Headache  
  • Fever 
  • Chills or body aches 
  • Eating or drinking less 

Some upper respiratory illnesses, like the flu and RSV, can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization in infants and toddlers under two years old. Learn more about respiratory illness symptoms in children and when to see a doctor. 

Gastrointestinal illnesses 

Both norovirus, aka the stomach flu, and rotavirus are highly contagious gastrointestinal illnesses. They share many of the same symptoms, including: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 

While norovirus can affect people of all ages, rotavirus is more commonly diagnosed in young children as it spreads easily in places like daycares. Learn more about norovirus and rotavirus symptoms, treatment and prevention. 

Strep throat 

Strep throat, an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, is more common in children and teens than adults, especially during the school year. Symptoms can appear quickly, including: 

  • Red, sore throat  
  • Swollen or painful neck glands 
  • Trouble or pain when swallowing  
  • White spots on back of throat, tonsils or tongue 

Less common symptoms can include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Learn more about strep throat symptoms and when treatment may be needed. 

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) 

Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is an inflammation in your eyes caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Outbreaks generally spread around preschools and playgrounds and usually aren't serious. Symptoms include: 

  • Redness of eye or eyelid  
  • Thick eye discharge (green, yellow or white) 
  • Crusting on eyelashes or eyelids 
  • Burning, dry, watery, itchy or irritated eyes 
  • Eye pain or light sensitivity 

Learn how to recognize pink eye symptoms and prevent it from spreading. 

Skin rashes 

Illnesses like chickenpox, fifth disease, and hand, foot and mouth disease are highly contagious. Some symptoms include localized red rash or blisters, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, fatigue and headaches. Conditions like measles can lead to life-threatening complications in young children. Besides a telltale rash, it also causes flu-like symptoms. Talk to your PCP about the MMR and MMRV vaccines to help prevent the spread of these diseases. If you suspect your child has measles, contact their pediatrician immediately. 

Learn more about childhood skin rashes, symptoms and prevention. 

How can I keep my child healthy during the school year? 

Preventive care is one of the best ways to keep your child healthy this school year. Consider the following tips: 

  • Prevent the spread of germs: Have your child wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice is a great way to keep time.  
  • Clean common surfaces: Germs can live on some surfaces for hours or even days. Areas like door handles and countertops get the most contact. Regularly clean, sanitize and disinfect these surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses.  
  • Keep germs to yourself: Remind your child to cover their nose and mouth with their elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Have them wash their hands immediately after or use hand sanitizer in the meantime. Stress the importance of not sharing food, drinks or utensils with each other or their classmates.  
  • Get a flu shot: A flu shot is highly effective at protecting your child, and you, from current strains. Flu season starts in October, so consider scheduling an appointment when the school year begins to give the vaccine time to take effect. If your child contracts the flu, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.  

When can your child return to school after an illness? 

Sending your child back to school too soon can prolong their illness and expose others as they can still be contagious even if they’re no longer symptomatic.  

Your child can go back to school if they’ve met the following criteria: 

  • They are fever free (without fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours. 
  • Vomiting has stopped and your child can keep down liquids and solid food. 
  • Diarrhea has improved, with bowel movements no more than two above normal in a 24-hour period. 
  • A fever with a new rash has been evaluated by PCP. 

Check with your child’s pediatrician or PCP about their recovery, including questions or concerns. Your child’s school may have their own guidelines from state and local health departments regarding attendance and illness policies. Medical Mutual also offers our Nurse Line*, a free call-in service for 24/7 access to highly trained and experienced registered nurses who can help answer specific health-related questions or talk you through self-care for treating minor medical conditions at home. Call the Nurse Line toll free at 1-888-912-0636 (TTY: 711 for hearing impaired). Use your best judgment to determine if your child is back to their normal level of activity before returning them to school. Continue to keep them home if they’re feeling unwell.   

Prepare your child for a healthy school year 

Contact your child’s pediatrician or PCP if they have any concerning or lingering symptoms. Talk to your PCP about vaccinations if you’re unsure if you or your child’s vaccination status or if you need a booster. Medical Mutual recognizes that healthcare decisions are important and personal. Talk to your PCP regarding vaccine recommendations and what’s right for you and your child. Medical Mutual can help you find a PCP. Use our Find a Provider search tool or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card. 

*Refer to your health plan to see what is covered.

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