08/18/2026
Back-to-School Woes: Illness or Stress?
Bonus: My preschooler's first day of school pictures!
As kids settle into the new school year, it’s common for physical complaints to pop up. But is it a bug going around the classroom, or first-month nerves? Here is how to tell the difference and when to check in with us!
Back-to-School Illnesses: Look out for clear physical indicators of an infection
-Fever: temperature of or above 100.4 F
-Illness Symptoms: coughing, congestion, sore throat, vomiting
-Systemic Signs: fatigue or poor appetite
Back-to-School Stress & Anxiety: frequently manifests as real physical discomfort
-Stomachaches & Headaches: often on weekday mornings but gone on weekends
-Behavioral Clues: Trouble falling asleep, irritability, clinginess, emotional
-Normal Vitals: No fever, normal appetite and energy, no physical infection signs
When to See Your Pediatrician
-High or Persistent Fever (5 days or more)
-Concerns for work of breathing
-Dehydration concerns
-Disruptive stress symptoms that cause your child to miss school regularly, interfere with sleep, or don't improve with reassurance.
Not sure which one your child is experiencing? Give our office a call! I am accepting new patients at Casas Pediatrics for all your family’s questions and pediatric needs, more information:
https://casaspediatrics.com/
520-751-3675