Caution from Pediatricians: Be Mindful of these Back-to-School Illnesses

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Aug 04, 10:58 am

Photo: (Photo : Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash)

With the approaching school year in the United States, health officials are gearing up for the possibility of a "tripledemic" involving COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza.

Last year, a surge of these seasonal viruses, coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused significant challenges for children's health and the healthcare system. As the country enters another school year, experts are closely monitoring the situation and urging parents to be vigilant about common illnesses that could impact children during this time.

The Road to a "Tripledemic"

During the previous year, the U.S. witnessed a rebound of respiratory viruses following a pandemic lull. RSV cases among babies and young children surged, straining children's hospitals nationwide.

Concurrently, the country faced waves of COVID-19 infections and an early and severe influenza season. The coexistence of these three viruses, dubbed the "tripledemic," posed substantial health risks throughout the winter.

Health experts are cautious as they anticipate the possibility of another "tripledemic" in the upcoming fall and winter. While some respiratory viral diseases have returned to their pre-pandemic seasonal patterns, uncertainties remain regarding the interplay of COVID-19, RSV, and flu.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasizes the importance of preparedness for any potential scenario.

Dr. Thomas Murray, an associate medical director at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, points out two critical factors to watch closely.

Firstly, the resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall can affect other respiratory viruses. Secondly, the impact of the RSV vaccine for older adults and the newly approved monoclonal antibody injection for children under 2 on RSV transmission needs to be monitored. While uncertainties remain, experts agree that vigilance and awareness are vital.

Common Back-to-School Illnesses

As schools reopen, several illnesses are expected to circulate among children. Strep throat, caused by Group A streptococci bacteria, tends to spike in the fall and can spread rapidly in classrooms. COVID-19 continues to circulate, and vaccination remains crucial for children's protection. RSV, known for its severity among children, presents a concern, but the newly approved monoclonal antibody injection offers hope. Additionally, influenza, common cold viruses, pinkeye, and stomach viruses may impact schools as they have in the past.

According to Today, health experts strongly recommend vaccination to protect children from preventable illnesses. Routine handwashing, avoiding face-touching, and covering coughs and sneezes are essential preventive practices. Maintaining clean surfaces and ensuring proper indoor ventilation can reduce the spread of viruses in classrooms.

While masking remains an option, the focus is on vaccination and other preventive measures to safeguard children's health.

If children show signs of illness, it is crucial to keep them home until their symptoms resolve. Sending sick children to school not only delays their recovery but also risks infecting their classmates. Parents are urged to consult their child's pediatrician with any concerns and adhere to vaccination recommendations and health guidelines.

As the school year nears, health officials are on high alert for a potential "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. While uncertainties persist, experts stress the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to keep children healthy. By staying vigilant and following health guidelines, parents can help mitigate the impact of seasonal illnesses on their children and the broader community.