As a parent or foster carer, it’s normal to feel anxious when a child in your care gets sick. Knowing about common childhood illnesses, their symptoms, and how to prevent them can help you stay calm and make informed choices about care. This article provides an overview of some frequent illnesses in children, along with tips on how to reduce their risk.
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Common Cold and Flu
Colds and flu are the most widespread illnesses in children, and you’ll likely deal with a few if you provide short-term foster care. Colds generally cause a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and sneezing. Flu adds fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Both are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are ineffective.
To avoid colds and flu, teach kids to wash hands frequently, cough/sneeze into elbows, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, phones, remotes. Get annual flu shots for children over 6 months and yourself. Boost immunity with vitamin C and zinc. Rest and fluids help recovery. You can also use a cool mist humidifier in the child’s room at night to keep their airways moist.
Ear Infections
Ear infections (otitis media) often follow colds. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, tugging at ears. They’re usually caused by bacteria travelling from a stuffy nose/sore throat into the middle ear. See a doctor as antibiotics may be prescribed.
Reduce risk by avoiding second-hand smoke exposure, bottle feeding while lying down, and pacifier use in children over age one. Teach kids to chew gum during flights as swallowing helps open the Eustachian tubes. Massaging just under the ear may provide some relief.
Stomach Flu
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. It spreads easily so teach everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and disinfect surfaces. Give fluids and bland foods like bread, rice, applesauce when vomiting subsides. Watch for dehydration. Consult a doctor if their symptoms don’t improve in a few days.
Oral rehydration solutions help replenish fluids and electrolytes. Probiotic yoghurt can shorten the duration. Provide plenty of rest and help them feel comfortable. Foods like bananas, rice, and toast are easy on the stomach.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection causing pain, fever, red tonsils with white patches/streaks. It requires antibiotics so see a doctor for a quick strep test. Treatment reduces risk of complications like rheumatic fever.
To prevent strep, teach handwashing and avoid sharing food/drinks. Keep children home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Prompt treatment and rest speed recovery. Offer soothing foods like ice lollies. Gargling with warm salt water may relieve pain.
Pink Eye
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) makes eyes pink/red with thick yellow/green discharge. Allergic and viral pink eye clear up on their own. Bacterial types need antibiotic drops/ointment so see a doctor.
Reduce the spread by teaching them not to touch their eyes, washing their hands often and using separate towels and washcloths. Don’t share eye makeup. Clean toys, doorknobs, keyboards. Chilled tea bags, cool compresses and antihistamine drops help symptoms. Wearing sunglasses can relieve light sensitivity.
Head Lice
Head lice are tiny insects that infest hair and cause scalp itching. Check for tiny eggs (nits) glued to hair shafts. Use an anti-lice comb on wet hair and medicated shampoos as directed. Wash linens, clothes, towels in hot water. Soak combs, brushes, hair accessories overnight. Avoid sharing hats, helmets etc. Shampoo carpets and furniture also.
Chickenpox and Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Chickenpox causes itchy blisters over the body along with fever and fatigue. Hand, foot and mouth disease leads to sores on hands, feet and mouth. Both are highly contagious viral infections that resolve without treatment. Calamine lotion and cool baths can soothe itching. See a doctor if fever is over 38°C.
Teach handwashing to avoid hand, foot and mouth disease. Keep children home until blisters scab over. Trim their nails to prevent skin infections from scratching. Stay away from others who are infected.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants caused by viruses. Symptoms include a cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and fever. It can lead to more serious illness, so contact your GP if the symptoms get worse. Oxygen therapy may be needed.
Keep babies away from cigarette smoke, pollutants and anyone with a respiratory infection. Breastfeeding provides immunity. Use saline drops and a humidifier for congestion. Watch closely for any progression in symptoms.
While children commonly get sick, you can take steps to reduce the frequency and duration of illnesses. Prevention through handwashing, disinfecting, and healthy habits goes a long way. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek medical care gives you confidence to handle childhood sickness calmly and effectively. Staying informed helps assure you’re giving children the best care.
