COVID-19 Cases Surge As Students Return To School: What You Need To Know About The Newest Variant

COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, with health officials tracking a significant surge as students settle into their new school year routines. In Hillsborough County and across the country, the Omicron FLiRT variants continue to be a major cause of concern. These highly contagious strains are driving up case numbers in ways we haven’t seen since last year, leaving parents wondering how to keep their kids safe and what symptoms to look out for.

For many, this new surge feels different. It’s happening later in the year, right as schools are filled with children eager to get back to learning and socializing. However, with this surge, schools become hotspots for transmission. While most kids who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, the virus is still spreading quickly, posing a risk to vulnerable family members and school staff. Knowing the warning signs and staying vigilant can help mitigate the impact.

What’s Driving the New Surge?

The COVID-19 surge this year is largely being driven by the Omicron FLiRT variants. According to experts, these variants have proven to be highly contagious, accounting for the majority of cases being reported. One major indicator of the virus’s spread has been the rising levels of COVID-19 detected in wastewater. While fewer people are getting tested, this wastewater data doesn’t lie—COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, and cases are nearing levels seen during major outbreaks earlier this year.

Dr. Jill Roberts, a public health expert at the USF College of Public Health, points out that while fewer people may be testing for COVID-19, the rising presence of the virus in wastewater surveillance indicates a troubling trend. “We’ve seen more COVID detected in wastewater, and that tells us people aren’t testing as much, but the virus is still spreading,” says Roberts per ABC Action News Tampa Bay. This makes it even more crucial to pay attention to symptoms, especially in children, who may be less likely to get tested.

The Risk in Schools: Why It’s a Concern

Schools are natural environments for the spread of contagious illnesses, and COVID-19 is no exception. Dr. Timothy Hendrix, Medical Director of AdventHealth CentraCare, notes that this year’s COVID-19 spike happened later in the summer than in previous years, which means it coincides directly with students returning to classrooms. The close contact, shared spaces, and activities in schools make it easy for the virus to transmit, and experts believe this surge could be prolonged because of it.

Children, while often resilient, can still experience significant symptoms. Dr. Hendrix points out that even though many younger children may have mild symptoms or be asymptomatic, some do become quite sick. “We’re seeing children come into our urgent care centers with high fevers, sore throats, and other symptoms. It’s not just a simple cold,” says Hendrix. Parents should be prepared for the possibility that their child could experience more than just mild symptoms.

Key Symptoms to Watch for in Children

One of the most important things parents can do is be on the lookout for early signs of infection. According to health experts, a sore throat is one of the first key indicators of COVID-19, especially with the latest variants. Dr. Roberts explains that parents should take notice if their child complains of a sore throat, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue.

COVID-19 symptoms in children can vary, but common signs to watch for include:

• Sore throat – often one of the first symptoms
• Fever – sometimes quite high, leading to discomfort and fatigue
• Cough – often persistent, with a dry or wet sound
• Headache – similar to the feeling of a sinus infection or flu
• Fatigue – children may become unusually tired, even after rest

These symptoms can sometimes be confused with seasonal colds or the flu, which is why it’s crucial to stay vigilant and seek testing if you suspect COVID-19.

Why Testing is Still Important

Although many people have become more relaxed about testing for COVID-19, experts strongly encourage parents to get their children tested if they develop any symptoms. Testing not only provides peace of mind but also adds important information to a child’s medical history. “It’s important to know if your child has had COVID-19, especially in case of long-term effects such as Long COVID,” says Dr. Roberts.

Long COVID, though less common in children, is still something that health officials are monitoring closely. This condition can lead to lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and breathing issues, long after the initial infection has cleared. Having an official diagnosis on record can help doctors monitor any future complications more effectively.

Moreover, testing helps prevent further spread within schools. Keeping children home if they test positive can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks in classrooms and protect those who may be more vulnerable, such as students with compromised immune systems or staff members.

What You Can Do if Your Child Tests Positive

If your child does test positive for COVID-19, doctors emphasize the importance of keeping them home and ensuring they stay hydrated. Managing fever and symptoms with appropriate over-the-counter medications (under guidance from a pediatrician) can help alleviate discomfort. Additionally, while it might be tempting to send kids back to school as soon as they feel better, health officials recommend following isolation guidelines to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Parents should also inform the school if their child tests positive, as schools are often tracking cases to prevent larger outbreaks. By keeping sick children home, parents play a vital role in protecting the broader community.

The Importance of Prevention: How You Can Help Keep Your Child Safe

While the spike in cases may seem inevitable, there are steps you can take to help protect your child from getting infected. One of the most effective measures remains encouraging good hygiene practices, particularly handwashing. Remind your child to wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and use hand sanitizer when necessary.

Parents should also consider keeping their children home if they show any signs of illness, even if it’s just mild symptoms. While it can be inconvenient to miss a day of school, it’s far better to prevent a possible spread than to risk infecting others.

Additionally, masks can still offer protection, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas like classrooms. While mask mandates have been lifted in many schools, parents can still choose to send their children with masks for added peace of mind.

What the Future Holds: Updated Vaccines and Continued Vigilance

As this latest COVID-19 surge continues, one question on many parents’ minds is when the updated fall vaccines will be available. The good news is that vaccine manufacturers are working on updated shots to better target the current variants, but these vaccines may not be available until later in the season. In the meantime, staying vigilant about symptoms, testing, and hygiene is key to navigating this wave.

Health experts believe that schools will continue to be hotspots for COVID-19 transmission, especially with the latest variants being so highly contagious. However, with the right precautions and a focus on testing, parents can help slow the spread.

Need Urgent Care? TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is Here to Help

If your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19, or you’re concerned about their health, TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is available to assist. With 20+ locations in the Greater Tampa Area, our centers offer convenient access to care when you need it most. We’re open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and with our On My Way system, you can fill out forms electronically to speed up the check-in process and minimize wait times.

While this latest COVID-19 surge presents challenges, we’re here to provide the care and support your family needs. From testing to treatment, our team is ready to help your child feel better and get back to learning safely. Stay vigilant, take precautions, and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to visit one of our locations.