Back-to-school illnesses

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Every year as students head back to school, physicians in Central Texas brace for a spike in illnesses that spread more rapidly as children gather in classrooms.  St. David's Georgetown Hospital is already seeing a lot of viral illnesses and colds right now as well as respiratory problems. 

Physicians say they expect to see a spike in those things once school starts.  Doctors at Heart Hospital of Austin in the central part of the city also are seeing viral infections.  The emergency department there is also treating a number of injuries from falls.

• Your back-to-school headquarters

In far north Austin at Lone Star Pediatrics physicians are seeing more fifth disease recently.  That is another virus with symptoms similar to the common cold, but patients may have a red rash that starts on the face.

Students have had to get up to date on their shots before heading to school tomorrow.  The Austin Regional Clinic wants to remind older students a new law requires any student entering a Texas college of university or seventh grade or above to show proof of having a meningitis vaccination.

Meningitis is also a serious complication of the neuroinvasive West Nile Virus, a  serious form of the illness.  ARC doctors warn everyone the meningitis vaccination does not protect you from the West Nile Virus.

Other things going around

St. David's Medical Center
Dr. Ann Buchanan
* Shingles

St. David's Emergency Center
Bee Cave
Dr. Edward Lee
* Viral gastroenteritis
* Urinary tract infections
* Pancreatitis

Southwest Pediatric Associates

Dr. Nick Wagner

* Summer colds
* Gastroenteritis
* Hand foot and mouth