Here are the Sicknesses Going Around Oklahoma Schools

In the last couple of years, when a kid came home from school sick, the answer was easily identifiable. It was almost always Covid, but in 2024, there is a lot more going around Oklahoma schools than the Wu-Flu.

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The List.

The common cold and upper respiratory infections are pretty common across the state this month. As kids get around each other again, it's the usual sickness during the first few weeks of school until their immune systems bolster again.

Bronchiolitis and RSV are also among the most common ailments among Sooner State children this year.

Enterovirus has seen a resurgence in younger children this summer, and they're lingering now into fall. These include symptoms that range from a cough and upper respiratory issues but escalate to widespread rashes like hand-foot-mouth.

Covid, of course, is part of our everyday life now, but with the biggest outbreak of 2024 happening in the spring/summer time, it's not as active as it has been so far. All the same, some schools are experiencing Covid outbreaks across the state.

It's also flu season. Or, at least, flu season struck early this summer and additional strains will linger through the traditional flu season as well.

Strep throat is another very common ailment parents usually see this time each year. This year is no different.

General mystery viruses. Upset stomachs, digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, etc... common symptoms of any number of unidentified viruses doctors are categorizing at the moment. Luckily, like most mystery illnesses, they run their course in a day or two.

Allergies. We're just approaching peak allergy season across Oklahoma. Pay attention to the wind. If your kids are suffering, see which direction the wind is from. If it's when the wind is out of the north, our first freeze can't come quickly enough.

Can your child still go to school sick?

While we've become accustomed to this being ultra-taboo the last few years, experts and doctors agree that your kids can go to school while sick... to some extent.

You obviously don't want to send a child who is suffering only to ensure more children suffer in turn, but the sniffles, sneezing, and the like shouldn't deter you from dropping them off in the morning. Fever-free, let them be.