The Most Common School Illnesses We See in Urgent Care

The return to school is always a whirlwind of early mornings, backpacks, and packed lunches, but it’s also when illnesses start making their rounds again. Between crowded classrooms, shared supplies, and less-than-thorough handwashing habits, it doesn’t take much for one child’s sniffle to turn into a school-wide outbreak.

As parents, you expect the occasional cold. But when kids come home with persistent fevers, sore throats, or stomachaches that just don’t seem to go away, it often leads to a visit to urgent care. These illnesses can pop up suddenly and, if left untreated, may linger longer than expected, interfering with school, sports, and family life.

 

Cold and Flu Are Still the Most Frequent Visitors

No matter how much hand sanitizer is passed around, respiratory infections continue to be the most common illnesses we see during the school year. Once one child starts coughing, it’s not long before the classroom echoes with sniffles. Cold viruses, including rhinovirus and coronavirus strains (not COVID-related), spread rapidly. Kids touch their faces, forget to cover their mouths, or share food. The flu, while slightly more serious, follows the same route and often hits harder.

Symptoms of Cold and Flu Include:

• Sneezing and nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Low to high-grade fever (more likely with the flu)
• Fatigue
• Body aches

Most cold symptoms resolve on their own within a week, but if your child is struggling with a persistent fever, trouble breathing, or signs of dehydration, a quick trip to urgent care is a smart call. We can assess symptoms, provide relief strategies, and rule out more serious infections like pneumonia or sinus infections.

 

Strep Throat and Sore Throats That Won’t Quit

Strep throat is especially common among school-aged children and tends to spread in tight classroom spaces. It’s a bacterial infection that causes a sore, scratchy throat, often accompanied by fever, headache, or stomachache. What makes strep tricky is that not all sore throats are strep. Many are viral and don’t need antibiotics, but a proper test is the only way to tell. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we offer rapid strep tests for accurate results in minutes.

Parents often bring their kids in when they notice:

• Sudden severe sore throat with no cold symptoms
• Difficulty swallowing
• White patches on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If your child tests positive for strep, we’ll prescribe the appropriate antibiotic and give you tips for keeping the rest of the family healthy.

 

Pink Eye Shows Up More Than You Think

Conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye, spreads like wildfire in classrooms and daycare centers. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergy-related, but in all cases, it leaves kids with red, itchy, and watery eyes. The bacterial version is especially contagious and can require prescription eye drops. Parents often notice kids rubbing their eyes more than usual or waking up with crusted eyelids. Look out for:

• Red or pink color in one or both eyes
• Itching or burning sensation
• Yellow or green discharge
• Sensitivity to light

We help determine the cause and provide treatment to clear up symptoms and reduce the spread, something schools appreciate when it comes to readmitting students.

 

Ear Infections Sneak In After Every Cold

While adults rarely deal with ear infections, they’re incredibly common in children, especially after a cold or sinus congestion. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing pain, pressure, and even temporary hearing loss. Younger kids may tug at their ears, cry more at night, or struggle to sleep. Older children often report ear fullness or trouble hearing. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we use an otoscope to examine the ear canal and eardrum. If there’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. For viral or fluid-based cases, we offer comfort measures and guidance for home care.

 

Stomach Bugs Take Over Entire Households

Gastroenteritis is often referred to as a stomach bug, and when it hits schools, it’s relentless. Caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, it spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever

While most stomach bugs resolve within 24 to 48 hours, dehydration becomes a concern, especially in younger children. If your child is struggling to keep fluids down or isn’t urinating, bring them in. We’ll assess hydration levels and help you manage symptoms safely.

 

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Is Common in Young Children

If you’ve got a preschooler or early elementary student, chances are you’ve heard of hand, foot, and mouth disease. This viral illness causes a telltale rash on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, and it’s incredibly uncomfortable. 

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Painful mouth sores
• Rash or blisters on hands and feet
• Sore throat
• Reduced appetite

There’s no cure, but we offer relief through fever management and mouth pain solutions. We also help you monitor for dehydration and give return-to-school guidance.

 

Head Lice Disrupt Classrooms and Sleep Schedules

Head lice don’t spread illness, but they definitely spread panic. Kids share hats, brushes, or simply sit close together, and suddenly the whole class is itching. Lice are tiny insects that live in the hair and lay eggs called nits. Itching is the most obvious sign, but not all kids experience it right away. We help parents identify lice, provide over-the-counter treatment advice, and explain how to prevent reinfestation. While not dangerous, lice are disruptive and we’re here to help you get control of the situation quickly.

 

Rashes Are Often Misleading

From ringworm to allergic reactions to viral rashes, skin issues are a frequent cause for concern among school-aged children. They’re not always painful or itchy, but they’re often mysterious and stressful. Ringworm, for example, is a common fungal infection that causes a red, scaly, circular rash. Impetigo, on the other hand, is a bacterial skin infection that spreads through direct contact and causes honey-colored crusty patches, often around the nose and mouth. If you’re unsure what type of rash your child has or whether it’s contagious, we’re here to take a look. We’ll diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan that clears it up and protects others at school.

 

Allergies and Asthma Can Disrupt the School Day

Environmental allergies and asthma often flare during the school year due to exposure to dust, mold, and even school pets. Kids may show up to class fine but end up with runny noses, sneezing fits, or breathing difficulties by lunch. Asthma attacks are serious, and children need proper asthma action plans in place. If your child experiences frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath at school, urgent care visits help get things under control. We evaluate symptoms, refill prescriptions, and educate families on when to seek additional care.

 

When to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care

Not every sniffle needs medical attention, but sometimes it’s hard to tell. Our providers see children as young as 3 months old and work closely with families to ensure your child gets back to school safely and quickly. Visit us if your child has:

• High fever that lasts more than 2 days
• Trouble breathing or persistent wheezing
• Rash that is spreading or oozing
• Sore throat with fever and no cold symptoms
• Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop
• Ear pain or drainage
• Red or goopy eyes

We’re open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and there’s never a need for an appointment.

 

School Related Illness Treatment Trinity Families Can Rely On

If you’re in the Trinity area and your child needs fast care, our Trinity at Starkey Ranch Urgent Care clinic is nearby and ready to help. We are located at 13531 State Road 54, Odessa, FL, near Publix at Starkey Ranch Town Square, just down the road from First Watch and The UPS Store. Our convenient location and extended hours make it easier than ever to get your child feeling better and back to school. Get directions here

 

Get Back to Healthy School Days

It’s never easy when your child is sick, but you don’t have to wait days for an appointment or sit for hours in a crowded emergency room. TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is here to help you manage school-related illnesses quickly and with care. With multiple clinics throughout Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties, we’re always nearby when you need us. 

Our Save My Spot e-Check-in system lets you complete forms ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the waiting room and more time helping your child recover. We’re open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and we’re proud to provide school related illness treatment Trinity families can count on, whether it’s a sore throat that won’t quit, a stomach bug that’s running wild, or a case of pink eye before picture day. If your child isn’t feeling well, stop by one of our locations today and let us help them bounce back.