Common Childhood Illnesses

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash, fever, cough, and other symptoms.

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses.

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include blisters, fever, headache, and fatigue.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Vaccination, handwashing, and social distancing are all effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu.

Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches.

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. It is caused by a variety of viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and headache.

Head lice are small, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. Avoiding head-to-head contact, washing hair frequently, and using lice shampoo are all effective ways to prevent the spread of head lice.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Symptoms include redness of the eye, swelling of the eyelid, and discharge from the eye.

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are common in children. They are usually caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include a persistent cough, a whooping sound during coughing, and vomiting after coughing.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by a virus. Handwashing, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are all effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Symptoms include a rash, fever, sore throat, and headache.

UTIs are common in children, especially girls. They are usually caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include blisters, fever, headache, and fatigue.