As summer winds down, families across Fulton County, Sandy Springs, and neighboring areas are getting ready for a new school year. While back-to-school season is filled with excitement—new teachers, friends, and routines—it can also bring a wave of common childhood illnesses as kids spend more time indoors and in close contact.
At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we want to help parents start the school year strong with healthy habits, awareness of what illnesses to watch for, and the reassurance that we’re here for you every step of the way.
Best Practices for the First Week of School
Starting school after a long summer break can be an adjustment for the whole family. Here are our top pediatrician-approved tips for a smooth and healthy first week:
1. Get Back on a Consistent Sleep Schedule
- Begin shifting bedtime and wake-up times a week before school starts.
- Aim for:
- Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours of sleep per night.
- Teens: 8–10 hours per night.
Adequate rest supports focus, mood, and immune system strength.
- Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours of sleep per night.
2. Fuel Up with a Nutritious Breakfast
- Include protein (eggs, yogurt, nut butter), whole grains, and fruit.
- Avoid high-sugar breakfasts that can cause mid-morning energy crashes.
3. Teach Healthy Handwashing Habits
- Remind kids to wash hands before eating, after recess, and after using the restroom.
- Send hand sanitizer for moments when soap and water aren’t available.
4. Review Backpack Safety
- Keep backpack weight under 10–15% of your child’s body weight.
- Use both shoulder straps to avoid strain.
5. Plan for Afterschool Downtime
- Over-scheduling can lead to burnout. Allow unstructured play and relaxation time after school.
6. Check Immunization Records
- Make sure your child is up-to-date on school-required vaccines and annual shots like the flu vaccine.
- At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we offer convenient appointments for catch-up vaccines.
Common Illnesses That Increase After Returning to School
The start of the school year often leads to a spike in certain illnesses. Close contact, shared surfaces, and changing sleep schedules can lower immunity and increase transmission.
1. Common Colds
- Caused by multiple viruses, often spread through coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces.
- Prevention: Handwashing, not sharing drinks, and teaching children to cough into elbows.
2. Strep Throat
- Bacterial infection that can spread quickly in classrooms.
- Watch for: Sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, and stomach pain.
3. Influenza (Flu)
- Flu season often starts as early as September.
- Prevention: Annual flu vaccine (available at Sandy Springs Pediatrics).
4. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Can be viral or bacterial and spreads easily among young children.
- Watch for: Red, itchy, watery eyes with possible discharge.
5. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
- Common in younger children, causes fever, mouth sores, and rash on hands and feet.
- Prevention: Frequent handwashing and disinfecting shared toys.
6. Stomach Viruses (Gastroenteritis)
- Often caused by norovirus or rotavirus.
- Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration risk.
When to Call Sandy Springs Pediatrics
Parents should reach out to our office if their child:
- Has a fever of 100.4°F or higher lasting more than 24–48 hours.
- Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, infrequent urination).
- Has persistent sore throat, ear pain, or cough.
- Develops a rash with fever.
- Experiences worsening symptoms instead of improvement.
Our pediatricians provide same-day sick visits whenever possible because we know kids don’t get sick on a schedule.
How Sandy Springs Pediatrics Supports Families During Back-to-School Season
We proudly serve families in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Fulton County, and surrounding communities with personalized, family-centered pediatric care. During the back-to-school months, we offer:
- Well visits and sports physicals.
- Vaccination and immunization updates.
- Same-day sick visits for urgent concerns.
- Guidance for parents on illness prevention, nutrition, and school readiness.
The first week of school sets the tone for the entire year. By focusing on healthy routines, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and knowing the signs of common illnesses, you can help your child thrive both academically and physically.
At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we’re here to keep your child healthy, happy, and ready to learn—whether it’s their first day of kindergarten or their senior year of high school.
📞 Call us today to schedule your child’s back-to-school check-up or same-day sick visit.