Common Childhood Illnesses
News Flash!! If you have kids they’re going to get sick (mind blowing, right?) Whether you’re a new parent or a parent who’s been around the block a few times it’s always good to have an idea of common childhood illnesses; so, here’s a list of some parents should be aware of. Obviously, there are cold’s and flu’s, but there are several other illnesses that tend to run rampant in childhood. Here are some examples:
(This post is in no way medical advice. All information has been pulled from the CDC’s and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Please consult your Physician/Pediatrician for any concerns you may have. Click on the links for more information)
-Chickenpox is a contagious disease that presents as smally itchy bumps all over the skin. It it caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (this virus also caused Shingles in adults)
-Typically it spreads through close contact with someone who has Chickenpox
-Usually once a person gets Chickenpox once they are no longer susceptible to it due to their body’s own immune response
-At home treatment is typically the only treatment necessary. With the use of Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths to reduce the itching.
-Ear infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria, though most often it’s a virus.
-There are two different areas that an ear infection can occur: Middle ear, and Outer ear.
-Middle ear can also be effected by having a buildup of fluid due to inflammation
-Signs of an ear infection typically include: Ear pain, fever, irritability, rubbing/tugging at the ear and difficulty sleeping. Occasionally, the ear may begin to leak fluid or pus, depending on the type of infection
-Treatment for an ear infection that is caused by a virus is usually pain management until the virus is out of the body. If the ear infection is caused by a bacteria antibiotics may be prescribed by a physician
-Hand, foot and mouth disease typically effects children 5 and under, though anyone can get it
-It is not often serious, however it is very contagious
-Signs typically include a fever, sore throat, mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet (hence the name)
-Treatment involves waiting out the illness and managing the symptoms
-Lice are a parasite that life on people’s heads, anyone can get lice, though it is much more common in young children
-Lice spreads from person to person by: close contact, sharing brushes/combs or head wear or clothing as well as lying on bedding/cushions/pillows or sharing stuffed toys that a person with Lice has used.
-Lice feed off of human blood leaving the person with an itchy scalp (kind of like mosquitos)
-Lice are easier to spot in dark hair as they are a light color. Lice also prefer clean hair as it is easier for them to navigate and lay their eggs
-Treatment involves over the counter shampoo and a special comb. Occasionally a physician will provide a prescription medication
-Round Worm
-Round worm is the most common parasite that lives in humans. spreading through contaminated soil and lives in the persons intestines
-Many do not show any signs or symptoms of being infected. If they do, they may have stomach pain, infections, intestinal blockage leading to slowed growth in children
-Treatment involves a prescribed medication
-Hook Worm
-Hookworm is a common parasite that lives in cats and dogs, however it is easily transmitted to humans.
-It is spread though contaminated soil, burrowing into people’s skin leaving itchy red tracks
-More often than not, people recover with out treatment, though in some cases an antiparasitic and antibiotic can be prescribed
-Pin Worm
-Pin worms infections can happen to anyone and it is very common to see more than one person in the home be infected with Pin Worms.
-Pin Worms are highly transmissible especially to those in a caretaking position. The eggs can get into diapers, clothing, bedding and other objects that are in close contact with fecal matter.
-Eggs can survive 2-3 weeks on objects
-Treatment can involve over the counter medications or a prescription from a physician.
Again, please consult your physician/pediatrician if you have any concerns that your child may be sick.