Being a parent can be overwhelming. With so much information to keep track of, it’s easy to forget the little details that help keep your child healthy and happy every day. The common childhood diseases you’ll read about in this article are likely some of the first you’ll learn about as your child grows up and starts spending more time outside of the home, but they’re also some of the easiest to avoid if you know what to look out for and how to handle them quickly.
Measles:
Measles is a virus-based illness that is extremely contagious. It disperses in the atmosphere and can cling to objects for up to two hours. The symptoms include fever, rash, and runny nose. Particularly in small newborns, measles can be dangerous and cause pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. The MMR vaccine is the most effective method of preventing measles.
It’s important that parents of newborns make sure their child gets vaccinated as soon as possible, because measles is much more dangerous for infants who haven’t yet built up immunity from getting it before they were born. The MMR vaccine doesn’t just protect against measles; it also protects against mumps and rubella too.
Mumps:
The contagious viral infection known as the mumps and most frequently affects kids between the ages of 5 and 9. Since swelling of the cheeks and jaw is the most common symptom, mumps is also known as the lumpy jawed sickness. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Since it is spread by saliva and respiratory secretions, mumps can be easily spread by coughing, sneezing, or sharing cups and utensils.
Although the symptoms of the mumps cannot be directly treated, they can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers and plenty of rest. Mumps normally disappears on its own in two weeks.
German Measles:
The highly contagious viral infection known as rubella, or German measles, results in a recognisable rash on the face and body.
German measles symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The characteristic rash usually appears three to five days after the first sign of illness. The German measles is most usually contracted by kids between the ages of 5 and 9. German measles is treated by relieving symptoms and boosting the immune system. Because the virus has no known cure, prevention is crucial. Vaccination is the most reliable way to protect kids from diseases, such as the German measles.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually starts with a fever and feeling tired, followed by a rash that turns into itchy blisters. The blisters eventually turn into scabs and the whole process takes about two weeks.
Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 15, but can occur in adults as well. It’s so contagious that nine out of ten people who come in contact with someone who has chickenpox will also get it. About one to three people out of every 1,000 people infected die from complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
Anyone who comes down with chickenpox should stay home for at least five days after the last blister appears to avoid infecting others. Adults should tell their doctor if they think they might have been exposed to chickenpox so they can be treated early if necessary.
The Bottom Line: So these are some common childhood illness every parent should be aware of. Get in touch with your pediatrician to learn more about the potential health problems in kids and how to prevent them.
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