Common Illnesses and Infections in Children and How To Prevent Them

Keeping your child healthy is one of the most important tasks that come with the job of being a parent. However, it isn’t always easy to do because no matter how hard we try, children are exposed to illnesses and infections. This can be attributed to their underdeveloped immune systems, lack of hygiene, and exposure to other children.

To help protect your children, it is important to be aware of the common illnesses and infections they may encounter. In this post, we will discuss the most common illnesses and infections in children and provide tips on how to prevent them. We also encourage you to help educate others and be sure to contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced Frisco pediatrician.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections affect the upper and lower respiratory system and can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Treatment options for respiratory infections vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some of the common respiratory infections in children are:

Cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is one of the most common respiratory infections in children and is highly contagious.

Symptoms of a cold include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion. Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

Flu

The flu, also known as influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and antiviral medication if prescribed by a doctor.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that lead to the lungs. It can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection and can be acute or chronic.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis include coughing, chest discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and medication to relieve symptoms. Chronic bronchitis may require ongoing treatment and management.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the lungs. It is a serious infection that can be life-threatening, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment usually involves antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, rest, hydration, and medication to relieve symptoms.

If you or your child is exhibiting respiratory infection symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are also prevalent in children. These infections affect the digestive system and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment options for gastrointestinal infections include rest, hydration, and medication. Some of the common gastrointestinal infections in children are:

Stomach flu

The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach and intestines. It is highly contagious and can be caused by a variety of viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus. Symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal system. It is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can also be transmitted through contact with infected individuals. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Skin Infections

Skin infections are another common type of illness in children. These infections affect the skin and can cause symptoms such as itching, rash, and blisters. Prevention strategies include maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and keeping skin clean and dry.

The most common skin infections in children include:

Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin around the nose and mouth, but can also occur in other parts of the body. It is characterized by red sores or blisters that ooze and develop a yellowish-brown crust. Impetigo is highly contagious and is most common in young children.

Treatment typically involves antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur on the skin, scalp, or nails. It is characterized by a circular rash with raised, red edges and a clear center. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals or objects.

Treatment typically involves anti-fungal medication, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.

Scabies

Scabies is a parasitic infection caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin. It is characterized by intense itching and a rash that may appear as tiny blisters or bumps. Scabies is highly contagious and is typically transmitted through close personal contact.

Treatment typically involves prescription topical creams or oral medication to kill the mites, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.

Vaccine-Preventable Illnesses

Vaccine-preventable illnesses are illnesses that can be prevented through vaccination. These illnesses are caused by viruses or bacteria and can cause serious health complications. 

Symptoms and treatment options vary depending on the illness. Children should receive vaccines according to the recommended schedule. Some of the common vaccine-preventable illnesses for children are:

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can be serious or even fatal, especially in young children. It is characterized by a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. Measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and pain in the face and neck. It can also lead to fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In rare cases, mumps can cause serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and deafness.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash and blisters. It can also lead to fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

It’s important to note that vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against these illnesses and helps to prevent outbreaks and the spread of disease. If you or your child is not up-to-date on vaccinations, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated to help protect yourself and others from these vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Other Illnesses and Infections

Above are the most common illnesses that affect children range from mild to severe. However, other illnesses and infections that commonly affect children include:

Ear infections

Ear infections are a common infection that occurs in the middle ear, typically in young children. They can cause pain, fever, and difficulty hearing. Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses and can be treated with antibiotics, pain relief medication, or ear drops. In some cases, ear infections may require drainage or surgery.

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the throat, as well as fever, headache, and difficulty swallowing. It is highly contagious and is typically spread through contact with infected individuals or objects. Strep throat can be diagnosed with a throat culture or rapid strep test and is treated with antibiotics.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs are bacterial infections that occur in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. UTIs can cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy or bloody urine. They are more common in women than in men and can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, recurrent UTIs may require further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment options for these illnesses vary depending on the severity of the infection. Prevention strategies include maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention promptly.

At Entirely Kids Pediatrics, we provide high-quality, compassionate care for children of all ages. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced Frisco pediatrician.

Give us a call today at 469-425-3600 to learn more about our services. Our team is here to help ensure that your child stays healthy and happy.