Common Children’s Diseases and Their Symptoms
As a parent, you’ve probably handled so many colds and ear infections that you no longer rush to your local Cibolo emergency room every time your kid coughs. However, there are some childhood diseases that you should learn to identify and respond to when you notice the first symptoms.
Here’s a list of some of the most common ones.
Chickenpox
Due to vaccination, the varicella virus that causes chickenpox is not as common as it used to be. In the past, chickenpox caused over four million cases per year.
Chickenpox starts out as several red, itchy spots or blisters scattered all over the child’s body. Some children experience some flu-like symptoms, such as moderate fever or tiredness.
Chickenpox is highly contagious and is transmitted through droplet infection, such as coughing or sneezing. Although benign, it can escalate into life-threatening conditions, such as skin infections or pneumonia.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a mild contagious viral infection. It has an incubation period of two to three days between infection exposure and symptoms. It manifests as a large number of blisters on the hands, feet, and in the mouth, and can cause high fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and irritability.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an infectious disease characterized by a red rash on the body. Although it can affect people of any age, it’s most common in young children.
Although the symptoms of scarlet fever such as itchy rash, high fever, sore throat, and swollen glands are uncomfortable, you can easily treat scarlet fever with antibiotics. However, if you ignore the symptoms, the risk of being contagious can last for up to three weeks.
Whooping Cough
Also highly contagious, especially in the first week, whooping cough affects the child’s respiratory system. It is a bacterial infection that manifests through fever, nasal discharge, and severe fits of coughing. The symptoms typically intensify at night and can last up to three months.
Although most childhood diseases aren’t fatal, they can cause major discomfort for your child. Learn how to identify the first signs and react quickly. If the condition escalates and you need emergency care, at Physicians Premier – Cibolo emergency room, you can find a team of professionals ready to help your child.
Sources
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/childhood_illness_sick_kids
https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/childhood-illnesses-get-facts#1
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
