Back-to-School Health: Common Illnesses Parents Should Watch For
In-Home Urgent Care in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The start of the school year is an exciting time in Fort Lauderdale as kids reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and settle into fresh routines. But with crowded classrooms and busy schedules comes a greater chance of spreading common childhood illnesses. At InMotion Health, we want to help parents feel prepared during this back-to-school season by sharing helpful information on what to watch for, when to keep kids home, and how our provider can help with treatment through in-home urgent care or telemedicine visits.

Strep Throat and Sore Throat

Strep throat spreads quickly among school-aged children and often starts with sudden throat pain, fever (100.4F or higher), and swollen glands. Unlike a mild sore throat that comes with a cold, strep tends to feel more severe. If your child has trouble swallowing, a high fever, or visible white patches on the tonsils, it is best to keep them home from school. Untreated strep can lead to complications, but the good news is that our provider can evaluate symptoms quickly and prescribe antibiotics when needed. 

Colds and Flu

The common cold is among the top reasons kids miss class. Symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, or mild sore throat. Kids with mild symptoms can usually return to school once they feel well enough, but a severe cough or fever means it is better to stay home.

Influenza, on the other hand, comes with stronger symptoms like high fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. When your child shows signs of flu symptoms, it is important to rest at home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Our provider can recommend ways to manage symptoms and discuss treatment options to help reduce recovery time.

Pink Eye

Pink eye or conjunctivitis often spreads quickly in classrooms because it is so contagious. Redness, irritation, and discharge from one or both eyes are common signs. If your child wakes up with sticky eyelashes or is rubbing their eyes constantly, it is best to keep them home until cleared by a healthcare professional. Treatment depends on the cause, which may be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Our provider can determine the difference and get your child on the right track.

Lice

While lice do not cause serious illness, they are frustrating and disruptive for families. Itchy scalps and visible small white eggs near the roots of the hair are the main giveaways. Because lice spread through direct head contact and shared personal items, treatment at home is necessary before returning to school. Although lice can be stubborn, our team can guide you through effective treatment and prevention tips.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease often affects preschool and elementary-aged children. It starts with a fever and sore throat, followed by small sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The illness is usually mild but uncomfortable. Kids should remain home until they are fever-free and feeling better, as it spreads easily among classmates. Our provider can advise on supportive care to keep your child comfortable until it passes.

Keeping Kids Healthy During Back-to-School

The best approach to back-to-school health is prevention. Encouraging kids to wash their hands regularly, avoid sharing water bottles, and covering coughs goes a long way in reducing the spread of germs. Still, illnesses are sometimes unavoidable. That is why pediatric in-home urgent care visits and telemedicine are convenient, quick options for busy families in Fort Lauderdale. Instead of sitting in a waiting room, our provider can assess and treat your child from home.

Some benefits of choosing in-home urgent care include:

• Reduced exposure to germs in clinics or urgent care 
• The comfort of your child being cared for at home
• Same-day treatment options for common pediatric concerns

At InMotion Health in Fort Lauderdale, we understand how important it is to keep kids healthy, learning, and happy during the school year. Whether your child is battling strep throat, pink eye, or a stubborn cold, our provider is here to help.

Book an In-Home Care Appointment

If your child comes down with a back-to-school illness, trust InMotion Health for convenient and compassionate care. Schedule your appointment online today or reach out through our contact page to learn more.

Carly Oliveri, PA-C

Lead Provider & Founder at InMotion Health | Website |  + postsBio ⮌

Carly Oliveri is a board-certified Physician Assistant with extensive experience in emergency medicine and urgent care. She earned her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Florida and completed her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University in New York City.

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