7 Common Paediatric Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Parents

Children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to their developing immune systems and frequent close contact with others in a variety of settings. There are many contexts in which these diseases might be transmitted to kids, such as crowded environments and shared surfaces in places like schools and playgrounds.

While the field of paediatrics is continually evolving to provide effective and innovative treatment options for childhood illnesses, experts continue to stress the importance of vigilance and preventative care. Good hygiene practices, comprehensive vaccination, and regular medical check-ups all go a long way toward reducing the risk of infections. Parents who implement these practices diligently give their children the best chances of staying healthy and safe through their formative years.

Let’s look into seven common infectious diseases that parents of young children should watch out for:

1. Influenza (Flu)
2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
3. Chickenpox (Varicella)
4. Measles
5. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
6. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
7. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

1. Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a common contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates that around a billion cases of seasonal influenza occur around the world every year, including around 3 to 5 million severe cases. Symptoms include high fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea. Young children are especially at risk of developing severe influenza, with some cases leading to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Annual influenza vaccinations are highly recommended to prevent the flu. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, also help reduce the spread of the virus. If your child does contract the flu, you’ll mainly want to make sure they rest and drink plenty of fluids. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe certain medications to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that commonly affects young children, characterised by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. The disease spreads through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease, especially thorough hand-washing after diaper changes and before meals. There is no specific treatment for the disease, so healthcare experts typically focus on symptom relief. Measures you can take include using mouth rinses to ease pain from sores, giving pain relievers to reduce fever and discomfort, and ensuring the child stays hydrated.

3. Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash with red spots and blisters, accompanied by fever and fatigue. The virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Varicella vaccination is essential for preventing chickenpox and for reducing the severity of symptoms in children who contract the disease. Much like hand, foot, and mouth disease, relieving symptoms should be the focus in chickenpox cases as the disease will subside on its own. You can use calamine lotion and antihistamines to reduce itching; the child’s skin should also be kept clean and dry to prevent secondary infections. With lots of rest and fluids, a child with chickenpox should readily recover.

4. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterised by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive red rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death in some cases.
Paediatricians recommend the MMR vaccine to prevent measles, as well as mumps and rubella, two other common paediatric infectious diseases. The vaccine is administered in two doses as a standard part of most childhood immunisation programmes and provides long-lasting immunity. Treating a child with measles focuses on measures to relieve symptoms and manage complications, including rest, hydration, and medications to reduce fever and discomfort.

5. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough or pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound, vomiting, and exhaustion. The disease can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, as it may lead to complications such as pneumonia and dehydration.
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination is your best option for preventing whooping cough. To treat the condition, your healthcare provider will typically prescribe antibiotics to control the infection. Follow this up with supportive care, such as fluids and rest, to help manage symptoms. Extreme incidents of whooping cough may require hospitalisation to monitor and treat complications.

6. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva or the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. Redness in the white of the eye, increased tear production, yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, and itching or burning eyes are all common symptoms of conjunctivitis. A variety of causes may lead children to develop the condition, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.
Specific hygiene practices are essential for preventing conjunctivitis. Teach your child to avoid touching their eyes with unwashed hands and to use clean towels and washcloths at all times. How you treat conjunctivitis will vary depending on the cause: bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops, while viral conjunctivitis usually resolves itself on its own. Antihistamines or allergy eye drops can provide relief for allergic conjunctivitis.

7. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. You might observe symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever in a child with gastroenteritis. This condition can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, which makes it essential to monitor fluid intake.
To help prevent gastroenteritis, remind your child of the importance of regular hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Constant vigilance about safe food handling in your household can also play a crucial role in keeping your family safe from this disease. In some cases, the rotavirus vaccine can also prevent serious cases of gastroenteritis in infants and young children. If your child does come down with stomach flu, focus on keeping them hydrated and make sure they eat a bland diet. Oral rehydration solutions can also help maintain electrolyte balance.

Keeping yourself informed about common infectious diseases in children is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your child’s health. Make it a point to read up regularly on these conditions and current best practices for both prevention and treatment. Likewise, don’t hesitate to seek support and advice from your healthcare provider when necessary, as they’re your trusted partners in preserving your child’s well-being as they grow up.