5 Common Childhood Illnesses You Need to Know About

 

As a parent, you’re going to deal with your fair share of sicknesses—from the common cold to chickenpox and more. By learning about the most common childhood illnesses ahead of time, you can feel more prepared to handle them. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you know what to expect.

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#1 – Common Cold

Frequency / How It’s Transmitted:
Children get an average of 6–10 colds per year, mostly during fall and winter when school is in session. Colds spread easily through droplets in the air or on surfaces when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Symptoms / How Long It Lasts:
Colds can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on age, health, and the specific virus. Common symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever with chills

• Fatigue (usually mild)

• Headache

• Cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose (may thicken or turn green/yellow)

• Watery eyes

• Scratchy, tickly, or sore throat

• Achy muscles or bones

Diagnosis / Treatments:
Most colds resolve on their own. A doctor visit is usually only needed if symptoms worsen. Treatments include:

• Plenty of rest

• Staying hydrated

• Over-the-counter medications for specific symptoms (avoid aspirin in children)

• Petroleum jelly for dry skin around nose/lips

• Warm steam inhalation for congestion

• Gargling warm salt water for sore throats

Prevention:

• Teach frequent handwashing

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth

• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces

• Keep kids away from infected individuals

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#2 – Flu

Frequency / How It’s Transmitted:
About 20–30% of children get the flu each year, and complications like pneumonia can make it severe. Like colds, the flu spreads through droplets from sneezes, coughs, or surfaces.

Symptoms / How Long It Lasts:
Flu typically lasts about a week, though fatigue can linger for up to three weeks. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Cough (worsens over time)

• Sore throat

• Body aches

• High fever

• Rarely, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Diagnosis / Treatments:
See a doctor if flu is suspected. They may do a physical exam and nose/throat swab. Treatments include:

• Antiviral medications

• Acetaminophen for fever and aches (avoid aspirin)

• Rest and plenty of fluids

• Hospitalization if complications arise

Prevention:

• Annual flu vaccine

• Frequent handwashing

• Wearing masks in large groups during flu season

• Avoid contact with infected individuals

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#3 – Chickenpox

Frequency / How It’s Transmitted:
Chickenpox is less common today thanks to vaccination but remains contagious. It spreads through sneezing, coughing, or contact with blisters, saliva, or mucus.

Symptoms / How Long It Lasts:
Symptoms appear 1–2 weeks after infection and typically resolve within 1–2 weeks. Signs include:

• Itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters and scabs

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis / Treatments:
Diagnosis is usually visual, though blood tests or blister samples may be used. Treatment focuses on comfort:

• Prevent scratching (gloves, short fingernails)

• Calamine lotion for itching

• Cool baths with oatmeal or baking soda

• Handwashing after touching blisters

Prevention:

• Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox

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#4 – Head Lice

Frequency / How It’s Transmitted:
Head lice are surprisingly common, spreading through direct head-to-head contact or sharing personal items like combs, pillowcases, or towels.

Symptoms / How Long It Lasts:
Lice treatment takes 2–3 weeks, needing to kill adults and eggs to prevent reinfestation. Symptoms include:

• Itching (may take 4–6 weeks to appear)

• Sores from scratching

• Visible lice or eggs

Diagnosis / Treatments:
Doctors can visually confirm lice using magnification or special lights. Treatments include:

1. Medications that kill both adult lice and eggs (usually one treatment needed)

2. Medications that kill only adults (requires follow-up treatment)

Prevention:

• Minimize head-to-head contact

• Avoid sharing hair products or bedding

• Tie back long hair to reduce contact

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#5 – Strep Throat

Frequency / How It’s Transmitted:
Strep throat is common and often recurring in children. It spreads through droplets in the air, especially during the school year.

Symptoms / How Long It Lasts:
With treatment, strep lasts 2–5 days. Symptoms include:

• Severe sore throat, pain when swallowing

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

• High fever

• Red, swollen throat with white streaks or red spots on the roof of the mouth

Diagnosis / Treatments:
Diagnosis requires a throat swab or culture. Treatment includes:

• Antibiotics (essential for recovery)

• Cool drinks or ice cream

• Humidified air

• Plenty of rest

Prevention:

• Teach handwashing

• Avoid contact with infected individuals

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Final Thoughts

Knowing about these common childhood illnesses can make caring for your sick child a little less stressful. Preparation and knowledge go a long way in keeping both your child and your household safe and healthy.

If you’d like more parenting tips, be sure to check out my other articles!

This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider for concerns or treatment.