Common Infectious Illnesses
Chickenpox
Signs and symptoms:
This acute, highly infectious disease is caused by a virus,
which is marked by eruptions on the skin. It mainly strikes
children under the age of ten years, and is one of the mildest
childhood infectious diseases. The child may have a raised
temperature, and feel ill for a day or two before the appearance
of spots. The spots appear as dark red pimples, which spread
from the chest and back to the face and scalp, developing
blisters within hours. Once the blisters have dried up, itchy
scabs form, which causes severe irritation with an intense
desire to scratch.
Chickenpox, if caught while pregnant can cause developmental
irregularities in the foetus, so it would be wise to avoid
contact with any sufferers, had you not had the disease before.
If you do happen to develop chickenpox whilst pregnant it is
advisable to contact your doctor immediately.
Chickenpox is a once-off disease, and those that have been affected previously will not suffer with it again, there is however an increased risk among those who have previously had chickenpox, to develop shingles later in life. Once the infection is overcome, recovery is complete - and the spots will only leave scars if they are scratched or at some point became infected.
Incubation period:
2 - 3 weeks
Infectious stage:
Patient considered to be infectious from the time of exposure
until the final scabs have fallen off.
Treatment:
- To relieve the itching, dab the spots with calamine lotion, or add a cup of bicarbonate of soda to her bath water.
- Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, but do inform him if the blisters show any signs of infection.
- If possible, expose your baby's skin to air, by leaving the nappy off.
- Scabs that are scratched off do leave scars, so try and keep the irritation to a minimum.
- Rest and isolation is important.
Measles
Signs and symptoms:
This highly, most infectious of the childhood diseases, presents itself in the form of a pink rash that starts behind the ears and across the forehead, with the virus spreading through the air in minute droplets of moisture. The child will have a raised temperature, with a dry cough and irritated red eyes, appearing to have a severe cold. The child may also vomit and suffer with diarrhoea.
A definite diagnosis of measles can be made 2 days prior to
the rash, by looking for small red spots (Koplik's spots), on
the inside of the child's cheeks. The rash could spread over the
entire body, with the temperature lowering once the rash
appears. There may be some peeling of the skin, and a slight
brown staining where the rash was present.
The common complication after developing measles, is another
illness forming on top of it. This is usually caused by a
bacteria which attacks, either the ears or lungs, with children
under two years being particularly at risk from this type of
secondary infection.
Incubation period:
10 - 12 days.
Infectious stage: 3 days after the disappearance of the rash.
Treatment:
- There is no cure for measles, but complications that arise, such as ear infections or pneumonia will respond well to treatment.
- The measles vaccine, given as part of your child's immunisations is 95% effective in preventing the disease.
- Give the child plenty of fluid to drink and any food she feels like.
- Recovery is usually complete within ten days.
German Measles (Rubella)
Signs and symptoms:
German measles is less contagious and a much milder form of measles, causing only minor discomfort. Tiny reddish spots appear on the face, and body, eventually spreading to the upper and lower extremities. Lymph nodes at the back of the neck may swell, accompanied by fever, cough, sore throat and generalised fatigue.
Incubation period:
7 days after the rash has appeared.
Treatment:
- The child will recover completely without treatment.
- Avoid contact with pregnant women.
- Pregnant women who have been in contact with a child suffering with rubella or who develops rubella, should be tested for antibodies.
Mumps
Signs and symptoms:
An infectious disease which is usually mild in children. It is
caused by a virus that is transmitted in the saliva of an infected
person. Swelling of the face and neck, making it difficult for the
child to move his head and open his mouth. A slight fever may be
present.
Further complications of this disease, are not common. However, the
most widely known and feared secondary complication is sterility,
but this only invades about a quarter of the men who suffer with
mumps. For this reason it is a good idea for boys to become immune
to the disease before puberty and young men who haven't previously
developed it, to avoid contact with sufferers.
Incubation period:
2-3 weeks
Infectious stage: Until swelling subsides
Treatment:
- Will not respond to antibiotics as it is a virus infection.
- Treat fever.
- The child will also experience a dry mouth, so give him plenty to drink.
- Vaccination
