Surge in Student Illnesses Hits Oklahoma Schools After First Week

Doctors and Schools Sound the Alarm

As Oklahoma students complete their first full week of school, classrooms are already reporting a noticeable rise in illnesses. From runny noses and fevers to gastrointestinal bugs, school nurses and administrators say they’ve seen a sharp uptick in cases.

Dr. Ryan Brown, an Emergency Pediatric Physician at OU Health, said the surge is not unusual, but it is preventable with parent cooperation.

“If your child has a fever or is vomiting, keep them home. Sending them to school risks spreading illness to others,” Brown explained.

Why Illness Spreads at the Start of the Year

Health experts point to a few key reasons why the first weeks of school often bring a wave of sickness:

• Close contact: Classrooms bring large groups of children together indoors.

• Immune systems resetting: After summer break, children are suddenly exposed to new germs.

• Fatigue and stress: Back-to-school routines can weaken resistance to viruses.

• Shared spaces: Cafeterias, buses, and playgrounds allow germs to travel quickly.

What Oklahoma Schools Are Doing

Oklahoma Schools across the state are reminding parents and guardians to monitor their children’s health closely before sending them to school. Many schools have policies requiring:

• 24 hours fever-free before returning

• Staying home if vomiting or diarrhea occurs

• Following district illness and return-to-school guidelines

Some districts are also increasing sanitation protocols, reminding teachers to wipe down desks and encouraging handwashing.

Parents Urged to Take Precautions

Doctors say families can reduce illness spread by:

• Encouraging handwashing before meals and after bathroom use

• Keeping children hydrated and well-rested

• Following vaccination schedules for flu, COVID-19, and other preventable illnesses

• Communicating with schools if illness is suspected

Dr. Brown emphasized: “It’s better to miss a day or two of school than to risk an outbreak that sidelines entire classrooms.”

Broader Impact Across Oklahoma

While many illnesses are mild, they can still create strain:

• Parents may be forced to miss work to care for sick children.

• Teachers face challenges managing absences and catching students up.

• Districts must deal with potential clusters of flu, strep, or stomach bugs.

With fall flu season approaching, health officials say the early wave of illnesses is a reminder to stay vigilant.