Infectious Diseases
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A Quick Reference Guide
Chicken Pox
Symptoms
Chicken pox (varicella) is a viral infection. It is common in childhood, when the infection is usually mild. Chicken pox usually begins with a fever, followed by a rash after one or two days. The rash usually starts as red spots, and then turns into blisters filled with fluid. Within a few days, crusts form over the blisters. New spots may also appear over the next few days. The rash may be very itchy.
Cause
Chicken pox is caused by a virus. If your child gets chicken pox, he (or she) will never get the infection again.
Treatment
You can try to control your child's fever by giving him ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not give your child aspirin or any products that contain aspirin. Aspirin increases the risk of getting Reye's syndrome, a severe illness which can damage the liver and the brain.
Transmission/prevention
The virus that causes chicken pox spreads through the air, or spreads through direct contact with the blister(s) of an infected person. Chicken pox is infectious five days after the rash first appears, or until a crust has formed over the last blister. If your child has been around another child who has chicken pox, watch your child for signs of the infection over the following two or three weeks. Chicken pox can be prevented with the varicella vaccine. Ask your doctor about the vaccine.
Memo: If your child gets chicken pox and attends a daycare centre or school, it is important tell the centre staff or teacher. If your child gets chicken pox, and has a fever or is very ill to the point where he can't participate in regular activities, keep him out of daycare or school. If he has a mild case of chicken pox, this is not necessary. Call your child's doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Common Cold and Flu-Like Illnesses
Symptoms
Symptoms of a common cold or head cold are usually a stuffed-up nose, lessened appetite, headache and mild fatigue. A sore throat or mild cough is somewhat common. Sometimes there is a mild fever. With the flu, symptoms are more severe, and may include fever, cough, tiredness and aching body. There may also be a sore throat, hoarseness, and the glands in the neck may swell. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea are also common with flu-like illnesses.
Cause
The common cold is usually caused by a virus, which usually infects the nose and throat. Flu-like illnesses are also usually caused by a virus, which usually infect the head and chest.
Treatment
Give your child plenty of fluids and urge him to rest. You can give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, aches or a fever higher than 38.5o Celsius. Do not give your child Aspirin or products containing aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. If your child has a dry, hacking cough, you can give your child a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan (DM). Do not use stronger cough medicines for a cough that brings up mucus from the chest.
Contact your physician if your child shows any of the following signs: earache, fever higher than 39oC (102oF), excessive sleepiness, excessive crankiness or fussiness, skin rash, or rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing. Common colds usually get better after five to seven days. Bad colds or flu-like illnesses may take a few days longer. A cough may linger for a few weeks. If your baby has breathing trouble, fever, poor appetite or vomiting, make sure he is checked by his doctor. Sometimes a cold can lead to complications, such as a middle ear infection, in which case your child needs to see a doctor. Signs of an ear infection are a high fever, earache, vomiting or irritability, and especially pus draining from the ear. Your child should also see a doctor if he gets an eye infection with his cold; a symptom is dried yellow pus in and around the eye.
Croup often begins like a common cold. Later, however, there is fever, cough and difficulty breathing. The lining of the throat and larynx gets red and swollen, and a cough develops that sounds like barking. The voice gets hoarse, and breathing can get rapid and noisy. Croup usually sounds worse than it really is.
Cause
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and vocal cords (larynx). In an older child or adult, it is called laryngitis.
Treatment
Croup is a viral infection, so antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, do not help. Call your child's doctor right away if he gets a fever higher than 39oC (102oF), has rapid or difficult breathing, has a severe sore throat, starts to drool or has more drool, or if he refuses to swallow or is uncomfortable when lying down.
Transmission/prevention
As with a cold, the virus is carried in the saliva and nasal secretions and spreads through the air when people cough, sneeze or blow their noses. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Diarrhea/Dehydration
Symptoms
Your child has diarrhea if he is having more bowel movements than usual, and his stools are loose and more watery than usual. Your child may also have a fever, nausea, vomiting, pains in the stomach, cramps, blood and/or mucus in the stool, and may not want to eat. Diarrhea can be dangerous if it causes dehydration, which is a loss of body fluids (made up of water and salts). Signs of dehydration are less urination, lack of tears, sunken eyes, dry skin, mouth and tongue, sunken eyes and sunken fontanelle (soft spot on your baby's head). Dehydration can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
Cause
Diarrhea is most often caused by a virus. Sometimes it is caused by bacteria.
Treatment
At the start of diarrhea in your baby, continue breastfeeding on demand. If you do not breastfeed, continue to offer your baby food and drink. Whether you breastfeed or not, offer an oral rehydration solution (ORS) (which you can get at drugstores), following this schedule:
For the first six hours
Symptoms
First, there is a very red rash on the cheeks that looks as if the child has been slapped. After one to four days, a red, lace-like rash appears on the arms, then the rest of the body. The rash could last one to three weeks and a fever may also be present. The illness is often mild in children, who may not feel sick.
Cause
This is a respiratory infection caused by a virus called parvovirus B19.
Treatment
A pregnant woman should contact the physician if her child becomes ill with fifth disease.
Transmission/prevention
It spreads like a cold virus: on the hands of an infected person, on something touched by an infected person and in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Watch your child for fifth disease if you know of a child who has it. Call your doctor if you are pregnant and your child gets fifth disease. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Giardia
Symptoms
Some children have no symptoms. Others have diarrhea, bowel movements with a very bad smell, stomach cramps, gas, loss of appetite and weight.
Cause
Giardia is a parasite that causes a bowel infection. It is common in children in child care centres, especially if there are children in diapers.
Treatment
There are medications to treat giardia. A doctor may have to take three stool samples on three different days to confirm the diagnosis.
Transmission/prevention
Giardia may be spread on the hands of someone who has changed a diaper or used a toilet. The spread can be prevented by careful hand-washing after changing the diaper and going to the toilet, and before preparing food and eating. If your child has been diagnosed with Giardia and is ill, he should not attend daycare or school until the diarrhea has stopped.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Symptoms
It may cause fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, lack of energy, a skin rash and small, painful ulcers in the mouth. The rash usually appears on the hands and feet, but may also be on other parts of the body.
Cause
An infection found in saliva (not the same as the hand, foot and mouth disease found in animals).
Treatment
If symptoms appear, call your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. There is no treatment; the infection will go away on its own after seven to 10 days. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in the summer and fall.
Transmission/prevention
It spreads from person to person through the air or by touch, similar to colds. The incubation period is about 10 to 14 days. Children may remain infectious for one to two weeks after getting ill. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Impetigo
Symptoms
A skin infection that usually appears around the mouth, nose and exposed parts of skin as a rash with a cluster of red bumps or blisters, which may ooze or be covered by a honey-coloured crust. There are many germs under the crusts.
Cause
Caused by the streptococcus and staphyloccus bacteria getting into a child's scrapes and insect bites. It does not occur because of a lack of cleanliness.
Treatment
Antibiotics given by mouth or applied on the skin as an ointment.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when a person touches an impetigo rash and then touches another person. Hand-washing after touching infected skin prevents the spread of the infection. Children with impetigo should not return to their daycare or school until they have taken the prescribed antibiotic for at least 24 hours. It is important to take the medication until is it finished.
Measles (Sometimes Called Red Measles/Rubeola)
Symptoms
First, there is a fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. In a few days, there is a rash, first around the face, then spreading to the chest, arms and legs. Eyes may hurt in bright light. It can also cause an ear infection or pneumonia.
Cause
Measles is a disease caused by a virus.
Treatment
There is no treatment for measles. Many children become so ill they must be hospitalized. There can be complications, such as ear infections and pneumonia. Antibiotics have no effect on measles.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread quickly by sneezing and coughing. Measles are very contagious. Measles is serious - especially if it causes encephalitis (swelling of the brain). It is prevented by immunizing children with the MMR vaccine. Check with your doctor on when your child should get the vaccine.
Mumps
Symptoms
Fever, headache and painful swelling of the saliva glands in the mouth, which causes the cheeks to puff out.
Cause
Caused by a virus. Mumps can cause meningitis, and it can cause deafness. Most common in children. In adults it can further problems.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread by close contact between people. Prevented through immunization with the MMR vaccine; ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Symptoms
Pus coming from the eye, if the pinkeye is caused by bacteria. If it is caused by a virus, the discharge will be more watery. The pus may make the eyelids stick together. There is a scratchy or painful feeling in the eyes, and the whites of the eyes turn pink or red. Your child should see a doctor if he has these symptoms.
Cause
Pinkeye is an infection of the covering of the eyeball, usually caused by a virus, but sometimes caused by a bacterium. Can also be caused by allergy, exposure to chemicals and other irritants around your child.
Treatment
If caused by bacteria, treated with antibiotics and warm water compresses. If caused by a virus, treated with warm water compresses only.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected child touches discharge from his eye and touches another child, when a child touches an infected child's eye and then touches his own eyes, or when an adult wipes an infected child's eyes and then touches his own or another person's eyes. If your child's eyes have pus, he should stay home from daycare or school until he has been treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Pinworms
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms, or there may be itchiness around the anus or vagina. Pinworms are tiny, white thread-like worms that live in the intestines. The worms crawl out of the anus at night and lay their eggs on the nearby skin. Pinworms are a nuisance, not a disease.
Treatment
If a doctor determines that a child has pinworms, it can be treated with medication.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected person scratches the itchy area, gets pinworms on their fingers or under their fingernails, and touches another person. Also spread when an uninfected person picks up pinworm eggs from an infected person's belongings (eggs can live for several weeks outside the body). To prevent repeated infections, hand-washing is important.
Pneumonia And Bronchitis
Symptoms
Breathing trouble, and a strong cough, which may produce yellow or green phlegm, and/or which is so severe it causes vomiting or turning red in the face. Fever may also be present.
Cause
Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi; the air passages connecting the windpipe (trachea) with the lung sacs (alveoli) where oxygen is taken up by the blood. Can be caused by complications from a cough due to a severe cold. These infections are much more severe than colds.
Treatment
Your doctor will decide which course of treatment, depending on the condition, how severe it is, and what caused it.
Transmission/Prevention
With viral pneumonia, spread from person to person in the form of droplets expelled by an infected person when talking, coughing or sneezing, through touching infected secretions, and through touching contaminated hands, objects and surfaces.
Polio (Poliomyelitis)
Thankfully, polio is extremely rare in Canada today because of widespread immunization. It is still common, however, in some countries.
Symptoms
Often produces no symptoms or minor symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, stiff neck and pain in the arms and legs. Muscles can become paralyzed. In severe cases, the brain and respiratory system are affected.
Cause
Caused by one of three gastrointestinal viruses: poliovirus 1, 2 or 3.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for polio. For severe cases, supportive care may help a person recover.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread from person to person by mucus from the nose or throat or by the fecal-oral route. Ask your doctor when your child should be immunized.
Roseola
Symptoms
Starts out with a fever, which disappears in a few days and is replaced with a rash on the face and body. The rash has small red spots and lasts for one or two days. Most children are not that sick during the fever stage, although some children have a very high fever which causes febrile seizures (convulsions).
Cause
Caused by a virus. The infection is rare in children younger than four months or older than four years; it's common in children aged six to 24 months.
Treatment
Talk to your doctor if your child gets a persistent fever or acts unwell.
Transmission/Prevention
It is not yet known how roseola spreads from person to person, but we do know it's not that infectious. Tell your child's daycare or school staff if he is diagnosed with the infection.
Rubella (Also Called German Measles)
Symptoms
Low fever and a mild cold; may be followed by a rash. Neck glands may swell.
Cause
Caused by a virus.
Treatment
There is no treatment for rubella.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread through close contact between people. Can also be spread through sneezing and coughing. The illness lasts about three days. Rubella is prevented through immunization with the MMR vaccine; ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
Strep Throat
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, headache and stomachache. Neck glands may also be swollen and tender, or there may be sores around the nose.
Cause
Caused by a bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes (strep) Group A.
Treatment
Treated with an antibiotic.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. Hand-washing is important to prevent spread. Teach your child to cover his mouth when sneezing or coughing. Your child should not go back to daycare or school until antibiotics have been taken for at least 24 hours.
Tetanus (Also Called Lockjaw)
Symptoms
Poison from the tetanus germ can spread from the nerves to the muscles. Muscles may lock into place or go into spasm, which is very painful. A person may not be able to swallow or open the mouth. If the poison gets to the muscles that help with breathing, a person can die quickly.
Cause
Caused by bacteria in dirt and dust.
Treatment
Antibiotics that kill the tetanus germs.
Transmission/Prevention
Transmitted when a tetanus germ gets into an open cut on your body. Vaccine is available that is usually given in combination with the diphtheria toxoid and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (DPT). Regular booster injections are necessary every 10 years after childhood in order to ensure protection throughout adulthood. Tetanus is rare in Canada because almost everyone has been vaccinated. Ask your doctor when your child should get the appropriate vaccine.
Thrush And Diaper Rash (Candida Infections)
Symptoms
Thrush appears as a whitish-gray coating on the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks and gums. It is not easy to wipe off, and trying vigorously may leave the tissue bleeding and raw. Most infants don't have pain or complications with thrush. Candida diaper rash is very red, with a clearly defined margin and small red spots close to large patches. It tends to appear in the deepest part of skin creases in the groin and buttocks.
Cause
Candida is a fungus that causes and infection of the skin or mouth. When the fungus infects the mouth, it is called thrush. rush is a common infection in young children still in diapers. It may occur after a child has been treated with antibiotics for another infection.
Treatment
Your child's doctor will prescribe medication. To prevent diaper rash, change your child's diaper often. During diaper changing, wash your child's diaper area with mild soap and warm water, rinse, then dry. Wash your hands and your child's hands well after the changing. Also, let your baby stay out of a diaper for short times to let her skin dry. For thrush, sanitize your child's bottle nipples by boiling them for 10 minutes.
Transmission/Prevention
Apply ointment, if prescribed, to the rash and wash hands carefully after the diaper change.
Viral Meningitis
Symptoms
Fever, headache, neck pain or stiffness, pain when looking at bright lights, nausea, vomiting poor appetite, tiredness and sleepiness. May infect other parts of the body and cause skin rash, runny nose, sore throat, earache, cough, difficulty breathing and diarrhea. If your child develops these symptoms, see your child's doctor as soon as possible.
Cause
A virus that causes swelling of the lining of the brain. Diagnosed by analyzing a special body fluid taken during a procedure called a spinal tap. The doctor will confirm whether the infection was caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is much more serious.
Treatment
There is no treatment that cures viral meningitis, and children recover on their own in about one or two weeks. The doctor will only hospitalize your child if he is quite sick from the infection. If your child has bacterial meningitis (which is much more serious), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Transmission/Prevention
The germs are in the saliva and secretions of the nose. Close contact between children is required for the spread of these germs. It occurs most often in children less than 2 years of age.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Symptoms
Whooping cough begins with a runny nose and cough. The coughing attacks get louder and more frequent, to the point that a child can't breathe. After each attack of coughing, a loud whoop is heard as the child takes in a breath. These severe coughing spells last for two to three weeks. Babies with whooping cough may seizures and go into a coma. Babies under one year of age usually have to be hospitalized. Whooping cough used to kill many young children. Thankfully, it is rare in Canada because of immunization.
Cause
Caused by germs that get into the throat and lungs.
Treatment
Talk to your doctor.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected person coughs. Germs from the person's nose and mouth are spread in the air and other people breathe them in. Whooping cough is prevented by the pertussis vaccine. Ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
Chicken PoxSymptoms
Chicken pox (varicella) is a viral infection. It is common in childhood, when the infection is usually mild. Chicken pox usually begins with a fever, followed by a rash after one or two days. The rash usually starts as red spots, and then turns into blisters filled with fluid. Within a few days, crusts form over the blisters. New spots may also appear over the next few days. The rash may be very itchy.
Cause
Chicken pox is caused by a virus. If your child gets chicken pox, he (or she) will never get the infection again.
Treatment
You can try to control your child's fever by giving him ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not give your child aspirin or any products that contain aspirin. Aspirin increases the risk of getting Reye's syndrome, a severe illness which can damage the liver and the brain.
Transmission/prevention
The virus that causes chicken pox spreads through the air, or spreads through direct contact with the blister(s) of an infected person. Chicken pox is infectious five days after the rash first appears, or until a crust has formed over the last blister. If your child has been around another child who has chicken pox, watch your child for signs of the infection over the following two or three weeks. Chicken pox can be prevented with the varicella vaccine. Ask your doctor about the vaccine.
Memo: If your child gets chicken pox and attends a daycare centre or school, it is important tell the centre staff or teacher. If your child gets chicken pox, and has a fever or is very ill to the point where he can't participate in regular activities, keep him out of daycare or school. If he has a mild case of chicken pox, this is not necessary. Call your child's doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Common Cold and Flu-Like Illnesses
Symptoms
Symptoms of a common cold or head cold are usually a stuffed-up nose, lessened appetite, headache and mild fatigue. A sore throat or mild cough is somewhat common. Sometimes there is a mild fever. With the flu, symptoms are more severe, and may include fever, cough, tiredness and aching body. There may also be a sore throat, hoarseness, and the glands in the neck may swell. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea are also common with flu-like illnesses.
Cause
The common cold is usually caused by a virus, which usually infects the nose and throat. Flu-like illnesses are also usually caused by a virus, which usually infect the head and chest.
Treatment
Give your child plenty of fluids and urge him to rest. You can give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, aches or a fever higher than 38.5o Celsius. Do not give your child Aspirin or products containing aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. If your child has a dry, hacking cough, you can give your child a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan (DM). Do not use stronger cough medicines for a cough that brings up mucus from the chest.
Contact your physician if your child shows any of the following signs: earache, fever higher than 39oC (102oF), excessive sleepiness, excessive crankiness or fussiness, skin rash, or rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing. Common colds usually get better after five to seven days. Bad colds or flu-like illnesses may take a few days longer. A cough may linger for a few weeks. If your baby has breathing trouble, fever, poor appetite or vomiting, make sure he is checked by his doctor. Sometimes a cold can lead to complications, such as a middle ear infection, in which case your child needs to see a doctor. Signs of an ear infection are a high fever, earache, vomiting or irritability, and especially pus draining from the ear. Your child should also see a doctor if he gets an eye infection with his cold; a symptom is dried yellow pus in and around the eye.
Transmission/prevention
The virus is carried in the saliva and nasal secretions and spreads through the air when people cough, sneeze or blow their noses. Teach your child to cover his mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Memo: Your child can continue going to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
SymptomsCroup often begins like a common cold. Later, however, there is fever, cough and difficulty breathing. The lining of the throat and larynx gets red and swollen, and a cough develops that sounds like barking. The voice gets hoarse, and breathing can get rapid and noisy. Croup usually sounds worse than it really is.
Cause
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and vocal cords (larynx). In an older child or adult, it is called laryngitis.
Treatment
Croup is a viral infection, so antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, do not help. Call your child's doctor right away if he gets a fever higher than 39oC (102oF), has rapid or difficult breathing, has a severe sore throat, starts to drool or has more drool, or if he refuses to swallow or is uncomfortable when lying down.
Transmission/prevention
As with a cold, the virus is carried in the saliva and nasal secretions and spreads through the air when people cough, sneeze or blow their noses. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Diarrhea/Dehydration
Symptoms
Your child has diarrhea if he is having more bowel movements than usual, and his stools are loose and more watery than usual. Your child may also have a fever, nausea, vomiting, pains in the stomach, cramps, blood and/or mucus in the stool, and may not want to eat. Diarrhea can be dangerous if it causes dehydration, which is a loss of body fluids (made up of water and salts). Signs of dehydration are less urination, lack of tears, sunken eyes, dry skin, mouth and tongue, sunken eyes and sunken fontanelle (soft spot on your baby's head). Dehydration can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
Cause
Diarrhea is most often caused by a virus. Sometimes it is caused by bacteria.
Treatment
At the start of diarrhea in your baby, continue breastfeeding on demand. If you do not breastfeed, continue to offer your baby food and drink. Whether you breastfeed or not, offer an oral rehydration solution (ORS) (which you can get at drugstores), following this schedule:
For the first six hours
- For a child less than six months old, give 30 to 90 ml (1 to 3 oz.) of ORS every hour.
- For a child six to 24 months old, give 90 to 125 ml (3 to 4 oz.) of ORS every hour.
- For a child over two years old, give 125 ml to 250 ml (4 to 8 oz.) of ORS every hour.
- From six to 24 hours, keep giving ORS until the diarrhea happens less often. When the vomiting happens less often, have your child drink small amounts of milk or formula often.
- After 24 to 48 hours, most children can eat and drink normally. It can take seven to 10 days for stools to return to the normal form.
Transmission/prevention
The germs that cause diarrhea are spread easily from person to person, especially among children who haven't learned to use the toilet. Wash your hands and your child's hands well after changing a diaper and going to the toilet, and before preparing food and eating.
Important: Call your child's doctor if he has diarrhea and is younger than six months, if he has bloody or black stools, if he is still vomiting after four to six hours, if he has a temperature greater than 38.5oC (101.5oF), or if he has signs of dehydration.
Symptoms
First, there is a very red rash on the cheeks that looks as if the child has been slapped. After one to four days, a red, lace-like rash appears on the arms, then the rest of the body. The rash could last one to three weeks and a fever may also be present. The illness is often mild in children, who may not feel sick.
Cause
This is a respiratory infection caused by a virus called parvovirus B19.
Treatment
A pregnant woman should contact the physician if her child becomes ill with fifth disease.
Transmission/prevention
It spreads like a cold virus: on the hands of an infected person, on something touched by an infected person and in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Watch your child for fifth disease if you know of a child who has it. Call your doctor if you are pregnant and your child gets fifth disease. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Giardia
Symptoms
Some children have no symptoms. Others have diarrhea, bowel movements with a very bad smell, stomach cramps, gas, loss of appetite and weight.
Cause
Giardia is a parasite that causes a bowel infection. It is common in children in child care centres, especially if there are children in diapers.
Treatment
There are medications to treat giardia. A doctor may have to take three stool samples on three different days to confirm the diagnosis.
Transmission/prevention
Giardia may be spread on the hands of someone who has changed a diaper or used a toilet. The spread can be prevented by careful hand-washing after changing the diaper and going to the toilet, and before preparing food and eating. If your child has been diagnosed with Giardia and is ill, he should not attend daycare or school until the diarrhea has stopped.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Symptoms
It may cause fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, lack of energy, a skin rash and small, painful ulcers in the mouth. The rash usually appears on the hands and feet, but may also be on other parts of the body.
Cause
An infection found in saliva (not the same as the hand, foot and mouth disease found in animals).
Treatment
If symptoms appear, call your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. There is no treatment; the infection will go away on its own after seven to 10 days. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in the summer and fall.
Transmission/prevention
It spreads from person to person through the air or by touch, similar to colds. The incubation period is about 10 to 14 days. Children may remain infectious for one to two weeks after getting ill. Your child can go to daycare or school if he feels well enough.
Impetigo
Symptoms
A skin infection that usually appears around the mouth, nose and exposed parts of skin as a rash with a cluster of red bumps or blisters, which may ooze or be covered by a honey-coloured crust. There are many germs under the crusts.
Cause
Caused by the streptococcus and staphyloccus bacteria getting into a child's scrapes and insect bites. It does not occur because of a lack of cleanliness.
Treatment
Antibiotics given by mouth or applied on the skin as an ointment.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when a person touches an impetigo rash and then touches another person. Hand-washing after touching infected skin prevents the spread of the infection. Children with impetigo should not return to their daycare or school until they have taken the prescribed antibiotic for at least 24 hours. It is important to take the medication until is it finished.
Measles (Sometimes Called Red Measles/Rubeola)
Symptoms
First, there is a fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. In a few days, there is a rash, first around the face, then spreading to the chest, arms and legs. Eyes may hurt in bright light. It can also cause an ear infection or pneumonia.
Cause
Measles is a disease caused by a virus.
Treatment
There is no treatment for measles. Many children become so ill they must be hospitalized. There can be complications, such as ear infections and pneumonia. Antibiotics have no effect on measles.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread quickly by sneezing and coughing. Measles are very contagious. Measles is serious - especially if it causes encephalitis (swelling of the brain). It is prevented by immunizing children with the MMR vaccine. Check with your doctor on when your child should get the vaccine.
Mumps
Symptoms
Fever, headache and painful swelling of the saliva glands in the mouth, which causes the cheeks to puff out.
Cause
Caused by a virus. Mumps can cause meningitis, and it can cause deafness. Most common in children. In adults it can further problems.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread by close contact between people. Prevented through immunization with the MMR vaccine; ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Symptoms
Pus coming from the eye, if the pinkeye is caused by bacteria. If it is caused by a virus, the discharge will be more watery. The pus may make the eyelids stick together. There is a scratchy or painful feeling in the eyes, and the whites of the eyes turn pink or red. Your child should see a doctor if he has these symptoms.
Cause
Pinkeye is an infection of the covering of the eyeball, usually caused by a virus, but sometimes caused by a bacterium. Can also be caused by allergy, exposure to chemicals and other irritants around your child.
Treatment
If caused by bacteria, treated with antibiotics and warm water compresses. If caused by a virus, treated with warm water compresses only.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected child touches discharge from his eye and touches another child, when a child touches an infected child's eye and then touches his own eyes, or when an adult wipes an infected child's eyes and then touches his own or another person's eyes. If your child's eyes have pus, he should stay home from daycare or school until he has been treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
PinwormsSymptoms
There may be no symptoms, or there may be itchiness around the anus or vagina. Pinworms are tiny, white thread-like worms that live in the intestines. The worms crawl out of the anus at night and lay their eggs on the nearby skin. Pinworms are a nuisance, not a disease.
Treatment
If a doctor determines that a child has pinworms, it can be treated with medication.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected person scratches the itchy area, gets pinworms on their fingers or under their fingernails, and touches another person. Also spread when an uninfected person picks up pinworm eggs from an infected person's belongings (eggs can live for several weeks outside the body). To prevent repeated infections, hand-washing is important.
Pneumonia And Bronchitis
Symptoms
Breathing trouble, and a strong cough, which may produce yellow or green phlegm, and/or which is so severe it causes vomiting or turning red in the face. Fever may also be present.
Cause
Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi; the air passages connecting the windpipe (trachea) with the lung sacs (alveoli) where oxygen is taken up by the blood. Can be caused by complications from a cough due to a severe cold. These infections are much more severe than colds.
Treatment
Your doctor will decide which course of treatment, depending on the condition, how severe it is, and what caused it.
Transmission/Prevention
With viral pneumonia, spread from person to person in the form of droplets expelled by an infected person when talking, coughing or sneezing, through touching infected secretions, and through touching contaminated hands, objects and surfaces.
Polio (Poliomyelitis)
Thankfully, polio is extremely rare in Canada today because of widespread immunization. It is still common, however, in some countries.
Symptoms
Often produces no symptoms or minor symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, stiff neck and pain in the arms and legs. Muscles can become paralyzed. In severe cases, the brain and respiratory system are affected.
Cause
Caused by one of three gastrointestinal viruses: poliovirus 1, 2 or 3.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for polio. For severe cases, supportive care may help a person recover.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread from person to person by mucus from the nose or throat or by the fecal-oral route. Ask your doctor when your child should be immunized.
Roseola
Symptoms
Starts out with a fever, which disappears in a few days and is replaced with a rash on the face and body. The rash has small red spots and lasts for one or two days. Most children are not that sick during the fever stage, although some children have a very high fever which causes febrile seizures (convulsions).
Cause
Caused by a virus. The infection is rare in children younger than four months or older than four years; it's common in children aged six to 24 months.
Treatment
Talk to your doctor if your child gets a persistent fever or acts unwell.
Transmission/Prevention
It is not yet known how roseola spreads from person to person, but we do know it's not that infectious. Tell your child's daycare or school staff if he is diagnosed with the infection.
Rubella (Also Called German Measles)
Symptoms
Low fever and a mild cold; may be followed by a rash. Neck glands may swell.
Cause
Caused by a virus.
Treatment
There is no treatment for rubella.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread through close contact between people. Can also be spread through sneezing and coughing. The illness lasts about three days. Rubella is prevented through immunization with the MMR vaccine; ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
Strep Throat
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, headache and stomachache. Neck glands may also be swollen and tender, or there may be sores around the nose.
Cause
Caused by a bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes (strep) Group A.
Treatment
Treated with an antibiotic.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. Hand-washing is important to prevent spread. Teach your child to cover his mouth when sneezing or coughing. Your child should not go back to daycare or school until antibiotics have been taken for at least 24 hours.
Tetanus (Also Called Lockjaw)
Symptoms
Poison from the tetanus germ can spread from the nerves to the muscles. Muscles may lock into place or go into spasm, which is very painful. A person may not be able to swallow or open the mouth. If the poison gets to the muscles that help with breathing, a person can die quickly.
Cause
Caused by bacteria in dirt and dust.
Treatment
Antibiotics that kill the tetanus germs.
Transmission/Prevention
Transmitted when a tetanus germ gets into an open cut on your body. Vaccine is available that is usually given in combination with the diphtheria toxoid and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (DPT). Regular booster injections are necessary every 10 years after childhood in order to ensure protection throughout adulthood. Tetanus is rare in Canada because almost everyone has been vaccinated. Ask your doctor when your child should get the appropriate vaccine.
Thrush And Diaper Rash (Candida Infections)
Symptoms
Thrush appears as a whitish-gray coating on the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks and gums. It is not easy to wipe off, and trying vigorously may leave the tissue bleeding and raw. Most infants don't have pain or complications with thrush. Candida diaper rash is very red, with a clearly defined margin and small red spots close to large patches. It tends to appear in the deepest part of skin creases in the groin and buttocks.
Cause
Candida is a fungus that causes and infection of the skin or mouth. When the fungus infects the mouth, it is called thrush. rush is a common infection in young children still in diapers. It may occur after a child has been treated with antibiotics for another infection.
Treatment
Your child's doctor will prescribe medication. To prevent diaper rash, change your child's diaper often. During diaper changing, wash your child's diaper area with mild soap and warm water, rinse, then dry. Wash your hands and your child's hands well after the changing. Also, let your baby stay out of a diaper for short times to let her skin dry. For thrush, sanitize your child's bottle nipples by boiling them for 10 minutes.
Transmission/Prevention
Apply ointment, if prescribed, to the rash and wash hands carefully after the diaper change.
Viral Meningitis
Symptoms
Fever, headache, neck pain or stiffness, pain when looking at bright lights, nausea, vomiting poor appetite, tiredness and sleepiness. May infect other parts of the body and cause skin rash, runny nose, sore throat, earache, cough, difficulty breathing and diarrhea. If your child develops these symptoms, see your child's doctor as soon as possible.
Cause
A virus that causes swelling of the lining of the brain. Diagnosed by analyzing a special body fluid taken during a procedure called a spinal tap. The doctor will confirm whether the infection was caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is much more serious.
Treatment
There is no treatment that cures viral meningitis, and children recover on their own in about one or two weeks. The doctor will only hospitalize your child if he is quite sick from the infection. If your child has bacterial meningitis (which is much more serious), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Transmission/Prevention
The germs are in the saliva and secretions of the nose. Close contact between children is required for the spread of these germs. It occurs most often in children less than 2 years of age.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Symptoms
Whooping cough begins with a runny nose and cough. The coughing attacks get louder and more frequent, to the point that a child can't breathe. After each attack of coughing, a loud whoop is heard as the child takes in a breath. These severe coughing spells last for two to three weeks. Babies with whooping cough may seizures and go into a coma. Babies under one year of age usually have to be hospitalized. Whooping cough used to kill many young children. Thankfully, it is rare in Canada because of immunization.
Cause
Caused by germs that get into the throat and lungs.
Treatment
Talk to your doctor.
Transmission/Prevention
Spread when an infected person coughs. Germs from the person's nose and mouth are spread in the air and other people breathe them in. Whooping cough is prevented by the pertussis vaccine. Ask your doctor when your child should get this vaccine.
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