Managing Common Illnesses in School: Your Guide to Keeping Kids Healthy

Kids are in close contact throughout the school year—classrooms, sports practices and sleepovers are perfect breeding grounds for germs and viruses, leading to common illnesses such as strep throat, the common colds and the flu. At Norman Regional Health System, we understand the importance of managing these illnesses efficiently to keep your kids healthy and in school. Our Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics are here to provide quick, comprehensive care when you need it most.

Recognizing Common School Illnesses

Common illnesses—and we don't mean the back-to-school blues!—include:

Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore, scratchy throat. It’s highly contagious and common among school-aged children. Symptoms include:

• Severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Fever
• Headache
• Rash

Common Colds
The common cold is caused by viruses and can spread through a classroom quickly. Symptoms often include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Mild fever
• General fatigue

Flu (Influenza)
The flu is a viral infection that can cause severe symptoms, especially in children. Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Congestion
• Fatigue
• Headache

Preventive Measures to Keep Kids Healthy

While it’s impossible to prevent all illnesses, parents can take several proactive steps to reduce the risk of their children getting sick:

1. Hand Hygiene
Teach your children the importance of washing their hands frequently. Lather with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing. Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available is also helpful.

2. Healthy Diet
Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. A healthy diet supports the immune system and helps the body fight off infections.

3. Adequate Sleep
Ensure your child gets enough sleep each night. Adequate rest is crucial for a strong immune system and overall well-being.

4. Regular Exercise
Encourage regular physical activity to boost your child's immune system and promote overall health. Activities can include sports, playing outside or even family walks.

5. Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette
Teach your kids to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze, and to dispose of tissues properly. Using hand sanitizer is always a good follow-up after coughing, sneezing and handling used tissues.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Norman Regional Urgent Care provides comprehensive services to address common illnesses and more. If your child is experiencing symptoms of strep throat, a cold or the flu, our team of skilled physicians is here to help. Our services include:

• Illness Treatments: For allergies, asthma, cold and flu symptoms, gastrointestinal illnesses, sore throats, respiratory illnesses, and infections.
• Injuries: Care for bites, burns, fractures, minor cuts, contusions, sprains and strains.
• Diagnostics and Treatments: On-site X-rays, lab tests, IV fluids, physical exams and vaccinations.
• Skin Conditions: Diagnosis and treatment of various skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis and skin infections.

Convenient Locations and Hours

Norman Regional Urgent Care - Porter Health Village
901 N. Porter Ave., Norman, OK 73071
Phone: 405-307-7900
Open Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Our Urgent Care clinic is designed to provide quick and efficient medical services without the need for an appointment. We prioritize your health with accessible and affordable care.

Walk-In Clinics for Immediate Care

In addition to our urgent care facilities, Norman Regional also offers two walk-in clinics in Norman and Moore. These clinics are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, and provide care for a range of health concerns including:

• Minor illnesses
• Sports physicals
• Strep throat
• Treating poison ivy, heat rash
• Allergies
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Sore throat
• Stomach viruses
• Minor injuries such as cuts and contusions

Norman Regional Nine Walk-In Clinic
2000 Ann Branden Blvd. Suite 201, Norman, OK
Phone: (405) 515-0520
Open Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Norman Regional Moore Walk-In Clinic
700 S. Telephone Rd. Suite 201, Moore, OK
Phone: (405) 912-3120
Open Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No appointments are needed at our walk-in clinics—just walk right in!

Why Choose Norman Regional Health System?

Choosing Norman Regional for your urgent care needs means you benefit from:

• No Appointment Needed: Walk-ins are welcome at all our locations, ensuring timely care without the hassle of scheduling.
• Experienced Medical Team: Our skilled physicians and advanced practice providers deliver high-quality medical care.
• Comprehensive Services: From minor illnesses to non-life-threatening injuries, we offer a broad range of medical services.
• Coordinated Care: All clinics within the Norman Regional Health System use the same electronic health records, ensuring consistent care no matter which clinic you visit.

As your children head back to school, managing common illnesses becomes a priority. Norman Regional Health  Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics are here to support you with quick, reliable and compassionate care.