Back to School, Stay Healthy: What Every Parent Should Watch For!

As the school term begins, children return to busy classrooms, playgrounds, and sports activities. While this is an exciting time, it is also a period when doctors see a noticeable increase in childhood illnesses and injuries.

Dr Pavin Kaur Bal A/P Baldev Singh, Paediatric Surgeon at Damansara Specialist Hospital, shares her concerns and key advice for parents during this back-to-school season.

Once school resumes, infections, injuries, and abdominal pain become more common. Children are more active and exposed to germs, and early symptoms are sometimes missed. Crowded spaces, shared items, and inconsistent hand hygiene increase the risk, especially in the first few weeks.

Common illnesses parents should watch for

The most frequently seen conditions include viral fevers, stomach infections, skin infections, and abdominal pain. While many of these are mild, some can be signs of more serious problems.

Dr Pavin highlights symptoms that parents often dismiss as “just viral” but should never be ignored:

• Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
• Repeated or green-coloured vomiting
• Limping or pain when walking
• Groin or testicular pain in boys
• A child who appears unusually tired or unwell

A simple stomach bug usually settles within a day or two, and the child can still drink, eat a little, and play. Parents should be concerned if the pain stays on one side of the tummy, the child refuses food or drinks, or symptoms get worse rather than better.

Conditions that can start mildly

Some serious conditions can begin with mild, unclear symptoms and worsen quickly, such as appendicitis, testicular torsion, bowel obstruction, and severe infections. Appendicitis is often missed early in children because they struggle to describe their pain.

Vomiting or fever is more concerning when it is persistent or linked to severe abdominal pain or swelling. Although most infections are mild, some can progress to sepsis. Warning signs include very high or low temperature, fast breathing, extreme tiredness, reduced urine output, or a child who “doesn’t look right.”

Increased risk of injuries

The start of the school term also sees more falls, fractures, head injuries, and sports or playground accidents. Some injuries — such as head knocks, finger injuries, abdominal hits, or testicular pain — may seem minor at first but can be serious if left unchecked.

When to seek urgent medical care

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child experiences sudden severe pain, testicular or groin pain, difficulty walking, obvious deformity, persistent vomiting, severe headache, or rapid deterioration.

Simple steps to reduce risk

• Encourage regular hand washing
• Ensure good nutrition and hydration
• Keep school bags light
• Use protective gear for sports
• Listen when your child says something hurts

Trusting parental instincts is important. Early medical assessment can prevent complications, reduce the need for major surgery, and help keep children safe and healthy throughout the school year.

At Damansara Specialist Hospital, Trusted for Generations, our commitment to Care for Life supports patients beyond treatment, guiding them toward healthier, stronger futures. For consultation or more information, contact 03-7718 1000 or visit kpjhealth.com.my/damansara.