Unfortunately, the most common childhood illnesses are often unavoidable. At some point, all young children will be exposed to infectious diseases. Thankfully, most of these diseases aren’t usually serious and children recover well.
The good news is, that illness actually bolsters your child’s immune system, making them less vulnerable to re-infection.
In this article we look at some of the most common childhood illnesses and provide tips for reducing your child’s risk of infection.
Infectious diseases are caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Contagious or communicable diseases are those that can be spread from one person to another.
Many of the infectious diseases that occur in young children are contagious, and can spread very easily from one child to another.
Viral infection – contagious 2 days before blisters appear, until last blisters have crusted over – usually about 1 week.
Signs & Symptoms
Mild fever; Illness for 1 or 2 days. Spots appear anywhere on the body, including in the hair, mouth, ears, and around the genitals. Spots blister then scab over.
Viral infection – contagious until blisters have healed.
Signs & Symptoms
Groups of small blisters erupt, generally around the lips, mouth, nose, and sometimes the genitals, or eyes. Virus remains in the system, recurring periodically.
May be caused by virus, parasite, or bacterial infection – can be contagious throughout duration of illness.
Signs & Symptoms
Crampy abdominal pain followed by explosive, watery bowel motions. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever may accompany diarrhoea. Dehydration may result from frequent episodes. Diarrhoea usually lasts a few days, but may continue for up to 2 weeks.
Viral infection – contagious 2 days before symptoms appear, to 6 days after symptoms end.
Incubation period of 14-20 days.
Signs & Symptoms
Mild fever; headache; very sore throat; painful swelling in the salivary glands (between the ear and jaw).
Parasite – treatment with medicated shampoo for 5 days is necessary to prevent recurrence.
Signs & Symptoms
Itching and scratching head area; scalp inflammation, where lice have bitten skin to obtain blood; small white eggs (nits) and active lice in the hair.
Whilst, it’s impossible to stop your child from ever being exposed to infection and becoming ill, good hygiene will help them get sick less often.
We hope these tips will help you manage the risks of illness for your child…
Every child deserves the best start in life. Get in touch today!
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