Livingston, N.J. --Childhood illness may not affect
your family until your child starts child care or school. After
that, it may seem like he or she is sick all the time. This pattern
is normal as your child builds his or her immune system. Resistance
to infection develops only after exposure to a multitude of germs.
“The most important thing your child can do to prevent illness
is to wash hands thoroughly and frequently,” says Timothy
S. Yeh, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics
at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water
for 15 seconds — as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song
twice. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also can keep hands clean
and they come in disposable hand wipes or in gel form.”
The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center
provides a lineup of the top five infectious illnesses in children.
1. Colds
The most common childhood illnesses are upper respiratory infections — colds
and other viral ailments that affect the throat, nose and sinuses.
While adults average two to four colds a year, children typically
have six to 10. Children also tend to have more severe and longer
lasting symptoms than do adults. Medications that might ease the
discomfort of a bad cold are acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which
also reduce fever. Do not give your children aspirin because it
may trigger Reye's syndrome.
2. The stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
The second most common childhood illness is gastroenteritis, more
commonly known as the stomach flu. This childhood illness causes
vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration, particularly
in young children. Signs of dehydration include: excessive thirst,
dry mouth, a decrease in the normal amount of urine or dark yellow
urine, decreased tears, and severe weakness or lethargy. Oral
rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids, minerals
and salts. When you reintroduce food, start with a light diet
and try to avoid dairy products. Diarrhea may normally persist
for a few days .
3. Ear infection (otitis media)
Ear infections most often occur in children under the age of 2,
but the problem can also be common in children up to the age
of 5 or 6 — triggered by the respiratory illnesses picked
up in daycare or school. It can be difficult to distinguish between
ear infections caused by bacteria and those caused by viruses.
Antibiotics will cure bacterial — but not viral — infections,
and often even bacterial infections will be eradicated by the
immune system without the use of antibiotics.
4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane
that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface
of the eyelids. When caused by viruses or bacteria, conjunctivitis
is highly contagious. It is typically treated with antibiotic
eye drops or ointment. Warm or cool compresses may ease your
child's discomfort.
5. Sore throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are usually associated
with other respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough.
About 15 percent of children's sore throats are caused by streptococci — bacteria
that cause strep throat. Fevers above 101 F are common in strep
throat, and swallowing can be so painful that your child may
have difficulty eating. Antibiotics are required to treat strep
throat, which can be diagnosed by a throat culture. Left untreated
strep bacteria may cause other problems because the germ can
spread or, very rarely, may cause rheumatic fever, which can
affect the joints and the heart.
How long should sick kids stay home?
As a parent, you can help prevent the spread of illness by not
sending a sick child to school or child care. Generally children
can return to school when they: have no fever, can eat and drink
normally, are rested and alert, and have finished the period
of medically recommended isolation.
About The Saint Barnabas Medical Center Department of Pediatrics
Saint
Barnabas Medical Center is one of New Jersey's top providers of
pediatric care. The Pediatrics Department includes every major
pediatric sub-specialty and more than 250 pediatricians. A state-of-the-art
$8 million Children’s Center is designed
to meet the medical and emotional needs of young patients.
For more information about our programs, or for a referral
to a pediatrician or specialist, please call 1-888-724-7123.
Date: November 4, 2009
Saint Barnabas Contact: Samantha Anton,
973-322-5425
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