As Oklahoma kids head back to the classroom, doctor’s offices are preparing for the flood of patients that typically follows. “The new school year and sickness seem to go hand in hand,” says Flor Guerengomba, M.D., a pediatrician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Mustang.
As Oklahoma kids head back to the classroom, doctor’s offices are preparing for the flood of patients that typically follows. “The new school year and sickness seem to go hand in hand,” says Flor Guerengomba, M.D., a pediatrician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Mustang. “Kids have no concept of personal space. Close contact and sharing food, drinks and objects can spread droplets that lead to several illnesses.”
Dr. Guerengomba expects to see a lengthy list of ailments soon after the school bells ring. “Flu, colds, RSV, COVID-19, strep throat, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, other respiratory illness. We will see them all.”
Unfortunately, many of these illnesses have similar symptoms making them difficult to differentiate. Here’s a symptom chart to make them a little easer to distinguish.
All school age children are susceptible to the above-mentioned illnesses. Croup usually only occurs in children from age six months to three years old, and the Epstein Barr Virus that causes Mononucleosis known as "mono" generally afflicts those in middle school and high school.
Dr. Guerengomba says the best thing you can do to try to keep your children healthy is clean, sanitize and disinfect surfaces both at home and at school. “Thorough and frequent hand washing is also important. Plus, teach your kids good respiratory etiquette.”
She adds, “Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away right afterwards. Cough and sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is another weapon in the ongoing battle against all types of ‘bugs.’ Here’s hoping you and yours have a safe and healthy new school year.
