Children have developing immune systems and they are are mostly in close or direct contact with each other, such as in schools, buses and playgrounds. This can make the contagious diseases easily transmissible, thus they are so common in children. Contagious diseases are usually caused by the spread of bacteria or viruses (including chickenpox, measles, hand foot and mouth disease, among others). It can easily spread in kids through drops of saliva and mucus, particularly when they are coughing or sneezing. Read this article further to know about the common contagious diseases in children.
Contagious diseases in children
Contagious diseases can develop easily in kids if they come in close direct contact. Most children put their toys and various objects in the mouth. And, they do not wash their hands frequently or after touching these things, although they might be carrying a lot of germs. Children are also weak in combatting infection as compared to adults. Here are 5 common contagious diseases in children:
1. Cold
Cold is one of the most common contagious disease that can occur in children. It mostly spreads in classmates, thereby it is advised to miss school on sick days. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause cold or any other respiratory disease. Usually, children under the age of six are prone to colds every year. They might even get it if they are at home or in day care. Elder children mostly get fewer colds. They can develop a cold through personal contact with a sick child or from a person's coughing or sneezing. The symptoms of cold start showing in about two days of getting infected and can last for a week.
2. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, or also called pink eye can make one or both the eyes look pink due to inflamed blood vessels. The symptoms include itching in the eye, burning sensation, gets crusty, and involuntary shedding of tears. Viruses and bacteria can cause pinkeye and it spreads easily from one child to another, and can even infect other members of the house. Pinkeye usually gets treated without any treatment, but the doctor might prescribe eye drops. It after a few days, your child's eye still gets red, or he/she complains of severe pain, blurry vision, it is best to call a doctor. Washing hands regularly can help in prevention and treatment.
Also read: Nutritional Deficiencies in Children: Early Signs, Causes and Diseases That Kids Can Get
3. Cough
Coughing is another common contagious disease in children. It is very contagious and spreads through the droplets of coughs and sneezes. Babies who catch a cough can become very sick within a few days. When your child is having a whopping cough, they are most contagious. And, the symptoms of such coughs can last for about two weeks, and they stay contagious as long as they are sick.
4. Stomach flu
Stomach flu can be caused by a number or viral gastroenteritis. The common symptoms of stomach flu are diarrhea, stomach pain and vomitting. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children younger than five years of age. The flu can last upto 10 days in some kids. Children with this disease can become dehydrated quickly, thus it is important to focus on the same. Stomach flu spreads if you are in direct close contact with someone who has it or by having contaminated food or beverages. The best way to prevent it is by washing your hands frequently.
5. Head lice
Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live by sucking on blood from the human scalp. In fact, they lay eggs on the scalp, which can get difficult to eliminate. Head lice is also considered as a common contagious problem in children because it spreads very easily through head-to-head contact. However, lice are not threatening to cause any serious disease, but they trigger a lot of itching. You can get eliminate head lice from your child's hair with various at home treatments. But, make sure to use the remedy more than once.
Also read: Home remedies for cold in babies
Luckily, most of the contagious childhood diseases, once contracted, lead to a stronger immunity for life in the affected child. But, it might not always be the case in every child. Vaccinations can also help in boosting immunity to some of the above listed diseases. It is best to keep your child safe and away from any sick person, with all necessary precautions.
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