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6 Common Childhood Diseases

‘Fifth’ Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)

Fifth disease is developed due to the infection with Parvovirus B19. The incubation period is two weeks between being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. The child will sometimes initially develop mild flu-like symptoms and then will eventually have red specks on the cheeks and later spreading on to the thighs, arms and buttocks. The specks are often blurred, which appears as if the child has been slapped, this is why fifth diseaseis often known as ‘slapped cheek’ syndrome. It is mostly seen in children between the ages of 4 and 12 and it can last up to 14 days.

It cannot be treated, but disappears by itself. It is usually quite a mild illness.Once the rash appears, the disease is no longer infectious.

Complications might arise for pregnant women. They should avoid being in contact with children with fifth disease as it may cause a miscarriage.

Three-Day-Fever (Roseola Infantum)

A child withthree-day-feverhas a high fever for three days, which then drops and the child develops a rash consisting of reddish-pale spots, with small heads. It affects the body and spreads to the arms and legs, lasting for about 12-14 hours and then it is over. It is mostly seen in children under the age of three years.

The symptoms start to show up between 10 to 15 days from being exposed to the infection. And when you do observe the symptoms, then undress the child to ensure they aren’t too warm. The child is given fever reducing medication (such as Calpol, Tylenol, or Motrin) to control their temperature and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is caused by a strain of streptococcus bacterium and is caught through droplet infection from the coughs and sneezes of an infected individual. A child might suffer from a sore throat, slight to moderate fever and a flushed face. The torso and neck gets slightly rough to the touch and pink-red in color due to the spreading out of the specific rash, which is often located in their armpits or groin. The child’s skin peels and they get a grainy, pink tongue.

Three to eight days between being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Scarlet fever is contagious for the first few days. Antibiotics are given to treat scarlet fever.

And the list is a long one, with flu, cold, diarrhea and many other health concerns related to children. As parents, you need to be vigilant towards the symptoms and signs of all the diseases which exist around you and you should know how to tackle the given disease. It is really helpful to stay in contact with a medical clinic or your child’s pediatrician which you can immediately go over to or call.

Author Bio:

Zyana Morris is a blogger who usually writes about health related topics. She also writes for different health related brands.

Comments

12 responses to “6 Common Childhood Diseases”

  1. Touristmeetstraveler Avatar

    It’s always best to look for the symptoms of these diseases, you don’t want your child getting the worst of it when it goes unnoticed to you!

    1. Christy Avatar

      I agree, plus you don’t want them spreading it to their friends, classmates, ect.

  2. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo Avatar

    I had my son vaccinated against these diseases. Vaccines don’t come cheap here in the Philippines, and I consider these as one of my biggest investments during my son’s childhood years. 🙂

    1. Christy Avatar

      It was a great investment. Thankfully, in the states our health insurance covers it.

  3. Angie B. Avatar

    I remember my boys got Fifth’s Disease while at daycare years ago. He had a rash that didn’t bother him but no other symptoms. They said that by the time it shows up as a rash it’s no longer contagious, that’s what the pediatrician said anyway. I guess that’s pretty common too

    1. Christy Avatar

      I haven’t had to deal with Fifths disease. However, I got a note from the school when I was pregnant with my youngest. Once I saw the letter I got scared because it can cause complications during pregnancy. Luckily, my son wasn’t exposed so I ended up worrying for no reason.

  4. Rebecca Swenor Avatar

    Great information indeed. I remember back in the 70's I had measles and my two sisters had chicken pox all at the same time. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Eliz Frank Avatar
    Eliz Frank

    Reading your post reminded me of how far we have come with treating ailments. Thankfully we have treatments that work here. In some parts of the world drugs are not so readily available.

    1. Christy Avatar

      Medicine has come a long way and some of the technology is amazing. My daughter is able to hear thank to modern medicine.

  6. katrina g Avatar
    katrina g

    i am very lucky that my daughters have been very blessed and haven’t had any of these. i know it can happen to pretty much any child. this is why i feel blessed.

    1. Christy Avatar

      My kids got hand foot mouth disease and they were miserable. We thought my youngest also had a case of rosela but not positive.

  7. Christy Garrett Avatar

    I bet your mom was miserable with all of you being sick at the same time. Of course, it was probably better than it being spread our over several weeks.