Back to School Microbiology

As backpacks get zipped and school bells begin to ring, it’s not just pencils and notebooks that make a return—common childhood infections do, too. With every new school year comes a fresh wave of sniffles, sore throats, and stomach bugs. At TriCore, the Infectious Disease team and I want to help providers and caregivers stay prepared, informed, and proactive through thoughtful diagnostic strategies and laboratory testing when needed.

The return to classrooms brings excitement and opportunity—but also greater exposure to infectious diseases. Understanding what to expect, and how to test, can help prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and support accurate diagnoses.

 

 

 

Common Infections and When to Test

In many cases, illnesses like the common cold, mild gastroenteritis, or conjunctivitis resolve on their own. However, specific laboratory tests can be crucial when symptoms persist or when clinical differentiation between viral and bacterial infections is necessary.

At TriCore, we offer a suite of diagnostic tools to assist clinicians, including multiplex respiratory testing for influenza (Flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); targeted panels for gastrointestinal pathogens; and rapid molecular testing for strep throat and other bacterial infections.

It’s important that clinicians have confidence in when and what to test for. For instance, if a rapid strep test is negative in a child, reflex molecular testing ensures the diagnosis is accurate and guides appropriate treatment.

Measles (Rubeola)

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, making classrooms a high-risk environment during outbreaks. Antibody testing to determine immunity and molecular testing for detection of the virus can be routed through TriCore.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine remains highly effective at preventing measles. Prompt testing for suspected cases is crucial for managing and preventing the spread of this disease.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

A familiar name to many parents, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is most often diagnosed clinically. However, sometimes a provider may need to collect a sample of the lesion to detect the virus that is causing the rash.

While testing isn’t always necessary, it becomes important when symptoms linger or when outbreaks occur. Accurate identification can help with outbreak management, especially in school or daycare settings.

Infectious Mononucleosis (IM)

Infectious mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a frequent culprit behind sore throats, fatigue, and swollen glands in adolescents and young adults. Though clinical suspicion may be enough, laboratory testing such as the Monospot test, or more targeted EBV/CMV antibody panels, can support diagnosis.

Teens with IM might initially be misdiagnosed with strep or other viral illnesses. Testing can provide clarity, especially when symptoms are prolonged or severe.

Pertussis: More Than Just a Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) remains a concern with reduced use of the vaccine in some populations, especially in infants and school-aged children. The catarrhal stage of pertussis, where there is inflammation of the mucus membranes and airway, can resemble a mild cold, making early diagnosis tricky.

At TriCore, we offer molecular testing that can identify both Bordetella pertussis and B. parapertussis, helping clinicians make timely decisions. Pertussis is one of those infections where timing is everything. If caught early, antibiotic treatment not only helps the patient but also protects others by preventing further transmission. Vaccination is still the best method to prevent pertussis infection.

Respiratory Infections

Although it’s not cold and flu season, many other respiratory viruses can begin to circulate as kids go back to school. It is not usually necessary to test for every respiratory infection unless the individual is going to be treated by their doctor.

If you are curious about what respiratory viruses are circulating in our community right now, you can visit our TriCore Respiratory Dashboards for in-depth insights.

Supporting Smarter Medicine

The Infectious Disease team at TriCore continues to advance diagnostic tools that support appropriate antimicrobial use and reduce healthcare-associated transmission risks. We believe diagnostic stewardship is just as important as antibiotic stewardship. Knowing when to test—and which test to use—empowers providers to make the best decisions for their patients.

Prevention

Prevention remains our strongest defense. Vaccinations play a vital role in curbing the spread of communicable diseases. In addition, frequent and thorough handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces are all effective measures for stopping transmission.

As we step into a new school year, let’s keep learning, health, and safety at the forefront—inside and outside the classroom.