As students return to classrooms Monday with backpacks and lunchboxes in tow, health experts warn about the inevitable spread of back-to-school germs and potential injuries that come with the new school year.

Dr. Ben Wong, pediatrician at Sunrise Children's Hospital emergency room, says it's common to see a spike in illness when school begins, especially among younger children.

"More so in the younger age group or even in childcare, cause they're touching things, some of these more commonly can be spread from contact. So if, say for example, I'm sick, I'm coughing, or if I cough in my hands, I touch something, another individual or someone else touches that same area, they touch their face or mouth. They can spread illnesses that way."

Viral infections become more prevalent in emergency

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