Ready, Set, Stay Healthy: Back-to-School Tips for Families

How Often Do Kids Really Get Sick?

As the school year begins and little immune systems return to packed classrooms, it’s helpful to know that catching 6–10 colds per year is totally normal for young children. Most of these illnesses stem from routine viruses, and while frequent, they're generally mild—but it's wise to be prepared.

Back-to-School Health Tips

1. Hand hygiene is your first line of defense.
Teach kids to wash hands thoroughly and regularly—especially before snacks, after recess, and after coughing or sneezing.

2. Encourage good cough ethics.
Use elbow coughs, teach tissue disposal, and model thoughtful respiratory habits.

3. Rest, nutrition, and hydration matter.
Even a slight gap in sleep or healthy meals can weaken immune defenses.

4. Limit shared items where possible.
Backpacks, lunch boxes, and shared devices can be germ carriers—add a routine wipe-down to your school prep.

Prepare for Respiratory Season Ahead

As fall arrives, illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV ramp up—so staying ahead matters more than ever.

• Get the annual flu shot.
  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children aged 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine if medically appropriate—and preferably by late October. Children ages 6 months to 8 years may need two doses, given at least four weeks apart, especially if it’s their first time or vaccination history is incomplete.

• Be informed about COVID-19 vaccines for kids.
  The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for infants and toddlers aged 6–23 months, citing risk of severe illness—especially for those under age 2. For children age 2–18, COVID vaccines are recommended if they fall into high-risk categories or at parental discretion. The current season COVID-19 vaccine is pending release, so stay tuned for more information on where and when this is available.

• Watch for RSV protection options.
  The AAP now recommends RSV prevention—like nirsevimab—for infants under 8 months and high-risk children up to 19 months entering a second season. Women who are between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks pregnant, from September through January, should receive Pfizer’s bivalent RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo) to prevent RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection in their infants.

Urgent Care at WanderCARE- simple access, better care!

When your child needs care quickly, you don’t have to settle for long waits or providers unfamiliar with pediatrics. At WanderCARE, you can schedule an urgent care appointment easily—whether it’s a same-day home visit, office visit, or virtual consult. Just call, text, or book online, and you’ll connect directly with Dr. Jo.

You do not have to be a subscriber, one time urgent care visits are available to anyone! Discounts offered for multiple family members (Mom and Dad included!)

Unlike many community urgent care centers that are staffed by general providers with limited pediatric training, WanderCARE offers urgent care delivered by a board-certified pediatrician who knows how to recognize subtle signs in infants, children, and teens. That means you get more accurate assessments, thoughtful treatment, and peace of mind—without the crowded waiting room.

Sneak-Peek Guide to Staying Ahead This School Year

Stay healthy this fall!

SIck Happens! Wandercare is here for you and your children.

At WanderCARE, we’re your resource for a healthy school year—from same-day urgent care visits to in-home well checks. Need a sick day assessment or want to check on respiratory symptoms? Just reach out and we’ll guide you—whether virtual or in-person.

Here’s to thriving, healthy school days ahead!