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Common Childhood Illnesses... What To Look For
from: Adwina JacksonChildren are very susceptible to illnesses, in part because
their immune systems are not fully mature.
Breastfeeding of course provides some immunity to common
illnesses, but nowadays most children are weaned by the time
they are 1 year old.
Children also have a habit of exploring the world around them
with their mouths and their hands. Anything that comes into
contact with their mouth and hands can potentially cause an
illness.
The good news is that the more your child is exposed the
stronger their immune systems will become, and their ability to
fight off infection in the future.
Some of the most common childhood illnesses and symptoms to be
on the look out are listed below:
Colds/Cough - Cold and coughs are usually caused by viral
infections, thus must be spread by person to person contact, not
through the weather alone. Common symptoms of a cold include a
stuffy nose, cough, possible sore throat and occasionally a
temperature. Colds can become more severe and result in
bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Signs that a cold is
becoming worse and may need medical treatment include green or
yellow nasal discharge, fever lasting more than one day or a
persistent and wheezy cough.
Flu - The flu is characterized by headaches, chills, muscle
aches and a high fever. Respiratory symptoms may also develop,
and a feeling of fatigue which may last for several weeks after
initial symptoms. The flu is also spread from person to person
contact usually with respiratory secretions of someone who is
sick. Antibiotics can't treat the flu. Treatment often consists
of rest, fluids and Tylenol.
Ear Infections - This is perhaps the most common infection
affecting children. Ear infections happen when bacteria enter
the ear from the nose or throat. Usually an ear infection is
accompanied by a fever and possibly pus draining from the ear.
Symptoms may include pain, fever, dizziness and irritability.
Usually Tylenol will provide some relieve. Though ear infections
aren't contagious, the viral infections that cause them are.
Some children will develop repetitious ear infections, usually
associated with a problem with the tube that passes between the
throat and the middle ear.
Chicken Pox - Chicken pox is probably the most common infectious
disease that affects preschool and school age children. Symptoms
usually include an itchy rash and blisters, sometimes coupled
with a fever. Chicken pox can also be transmitted to adults, and
is usually a much more serious illness. The good news is a
chicken pox vaccine is available for babies 1 year of age or
older.
One of the best things you can do to help your child is try to
minimize their exposure to illness by encouraging frequent hand
washing.
Most illnesses are spread when a child touches something the
virus has settled on and then touches their face.
Practicing good habits at home will help encourage your child to
limit their exposure and the spread of illness to other family
members.
About the author:
Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also
the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable
parenting information. Please visit
for helpful and free parenting info.
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