Thanks to immunisation, childhood illnesses are much less common than they were, but they certainly haven't gone away. This guide to these seven common diseases tells you what symptoms to look out for, but always ask your GP if you're not sure - doctors prefer the odd false alarm to being called in when a child is already seriously ill.
It's a good idea to have your child vaccinated against whooping cough, measles, German measles (rubella) and mumps. It's possible they may still contract the illness but, at worst, they will only get a mild dose of it.
Always let your surgery know if your child has one of the above diseases; they are all notifiable illnesses, which means the government has to record every case.
The incubation period of a disease is the time between when your child is first infected, and when the symptoms first appear. It's useful to know the incubation period, so that if your child has been in contact with an infected child, you can calculate when the disease is likely to develop, and when the danger period has passed.
Chickenpox
Symptoms - Your child may be feverish for a day before the rash appears, which shows up as small red spots, mostly on the trunk and face. These turn into itchy blisters within a day or two. Over the next week they dry up to form crusts, which usually disappear within a week, although large ones can leave a scar, especially if they're picked off. Keep your child's nails short.
When to call the doctor - If you're sure the disease is chickenpox, you don't need to call the doctor as it's usually mild. But if you're not sure, or your child is noticeably unwell, call your GP, Also consult her if itching is severe; she may prescribe an antihistamine.
It's catching - from the day before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over.
Incubation period - 14 to 21 days
Treatment - Soothe your child's skin with calamine lotion. Dress him in cool clothes (this reduces itching and may also reduce the number of blisters). Give him plenty to drink, especially if he has a fever. Paracetamol syrup helps.
Measles
Symptoms - For about four days before the rash appears, your child is likely to suffer a fever, cough, watery eyes and runny nose.You may notice whitish spots inside your child's cheeks, which fade when the rash appears. The rash, deep red and blotchy, appears first behind the ears, spreading to the face and trunk. It usually lasts for about five days. Ear infection (otitis media) is the most common complication, but some children get pneumonia, and about one child in 1,000 develops encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which is very serious.
When to call the doctor - Measles can be serious, so always consult your GP if you suspect your child has it. If your child gets worse contact your doctor again in case of complications.
It's catching - from the first symptoms to about four days after the rash appears.
Incubation period - 7 to 21 days (usually 12).
Treatment - Keep the fever down by giving plenty of fluids and regular doses of paracetamol syrup.
Whooping cough
Symptoms - The first stage of whooping cough is fever and a runny nose, which lasts about a week. The fever often settles down, but the cough persists, changing to uncontrollable bouts of coughing ending in the typical 'whoop'. (Babies don't always whoop.) During each coughing bout the child's face looks red and swollen, and the eyes are red and watery. The child may vomit or go blue.
Whooping cough lasts about four to six weeks. possible complications include pneumonia and convulsions. This is a serious disease, especially in babies, and can even kill.
When to call the doctor - Phone your doctor immediately if you suspect that your child has caught whooping cough.
It's catching - from about seven days before symptoms start to about three weeks after the cough starts.
Incubation period - 5 to 14 days.
Treatment - Give frequent small meals and drinks. When the cough is at its worst never leave your child alone, even at night. Some children need hospital treatment. Used early on, antibiotics may make whooping cough less infectious, but probably won't cure the disease any quicker.
German measles (Rubella)
Symptoms - The rash, consisting of pink spots, appears first behind the ears, then spreads to the forehead, chest and limbs. It may last only a day or so. Lymph nodes (glands) behind the ear are often enlarged and tender.
Your child's eyes may appear bloodshot, and she may complain of aches and pains. She may run a slight fever, but should feel generally all right.
When to call the doctor - German measles is difficult to diagnose. If you suspect that your child has German measles, tell the surgery. Your child only needs to see the doctor if she's feeling ill.
It's catching - from about five days before to five days after the rash appears.
Incubation period - 14 to 21 days (usually 18).
Treatment - Apart from keeping any fever under control with plenty of fluids and regular doses of paracetamol, there's no treatment. The importance of rubella is that contact in early pregnancy (before 16 weeks) can be disastrous for the foetus. Keep your child away from anyone who could be pregnant, and inform her playgroup.
Roseola infantum
Symptoms - These are similar to rubella but the fever is usually high, 102'F to 104'F (39'C to 40'C), for a few days. Despite this, the child often stays bright and alert.
A crop of tiny pink spots will appear anywhere on the body, but mainly on the trunk. Once the rash appears the temperature drops rapidly. The rash only lasts one or two days.
When to call the doctor - If your child has a fit or sustains a raised temperature, call your GP.
It's catching - from a few days before the rash appears until a week after it goes.
Incubation period - 9 to 10 days.
Treatment - There's a risk of febrile convulsions (fits) with roseola, so it's important to keep fever down with paracetamol and plenty of drinks.
Mumps
Symptoms - Your child may be unwell and feverish for a few days before visible symptoms occur. One salivary gland swells up (usually in front of the ear), and the other side swells up a few days later.
Mumps can be mild, lasting only for seven to ten days, but serious complications such as meningitis, pancreatitis or, in boys, orchitis (inflammation of the testicle) sometimes occur as a result.
When to call the doctor - Call your GP if your child feels ill. If you think she doesn't need a doctor, you must still tell the surgery she has mumps..
It's catching - from a few days before the glands swell up until the swelling has disappeared.
Incubation period - 12 to 28 days (usually16).
Treatment - Give plenty to drink and soft foods to eat. Paracetamol syrup will ease pain and reduce fever.
Slapped cheek disease
Symptoms - The rash is a very noticeable bright red mark across the cheeks, hence the name. Sometimes blotches also appear on the arms, legs and body. The rash may last for 10 days, but the child usually feels well. Any fever won't last long.
When to call the doctor -Your child only needs to see a doctor if he feels ill.
It's catching - probably only a few days before the rash appears.
Incubation period - 4 to 14 days.
Treatment - There's no treatment, apart from keeping your child's temperature down with paracetamol syrup, and making sure he drinks plenty of fluids.
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If you are feeling anxious about your child's condition, of if he/she shows any unusual symptoms, call your GP. |
