It’s officially back to school season! That time of year we all look forward to where so many get caught up in purchasing school supplies, fresh new outfits, and getting little minds ready for a productive year. In all of the excitement, we often forget this is also the time of year when children come home with all types of germs! Are you prepared? Here are 5 contagious infections every parent should be aware of.
1. Ring worm – Sometimes, especially in children, the fungus can infect the scalp. On the scalp, the infection looks like a round flaky patch of skin. These lesions can appear on other parts of the body that can be treated with a topical antifungal, but the ones in the scalp are best treated with an oral medication. This is a highly contagious infection and can be transmitted by skin to skin contact as well as from shared combs, hats, brushes, etc.
2. Ear Infection – Ear infections often occur in children after a cold. Colds are usually due to viruses and antibiotics are not needed as they do not treat viruses. Fluid can build up in the middle part of the ear behind the eardrum. This fluid can become infected and press on the eardrum, causing it to bulge. Kids can pull at the ear, have a fever, become more fussy than usual, have a decreased appetite or have some vomiting or diarrhea.Your doctor may tell you to wait 1-2 days and if no improvement in symptoms, will give you medication to help decrease inflammation or an antibiotic if the doctor suspects a bacterial infection.
3. Pink Eye – Conjunctivitis is the medical term used to describe an infection or irritation of the eye that can be caused by an infection, allergies, or an unknown irritation. Symptoms may include redness of the eye, eye tearing, itchiness or irritation, or weep gooey liquid and may get stuck when your child first wakes up in the morning. Most cases of pink eye can resolve on its own.
When pink eye is caused by infection, it is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. Still, pink eye caused by a virus can last several days. Pink eye caused by an infection with bacteria can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or gels. Pink eye caused by other problems can be treated with eye drops normally used to treat allergies. These drops will not cure the pink eye, but they can help with itchiness and irritation.
4. Chicken Pox – This is a highly infectious disease that causes itchy, red bumps to form on the skin. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus can linger in your body for years and later cause a painful rash called “shingles.” Your child can have other symptoms like feeling as if they have the flu, may have a fever and poor appetite. Vaccination with the varicella vaccine is the most effective way to prevent chicken pox. The 1st shot is between 12 to 15 months and the 2nd dose is given when they are 4-6 years old. Treatment of chicken pox is supportive care, over the counter medications and lotions to help with the itch. Never give aspirin to a child who is younger than 18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a dangerous condition called Reye syndrome.
5. Impetigo – Impetigo is a contagious infection of the skin that causes red bumps, usually on the face, arms, or legs. They can form blisters that then burst and scab over, which usually leads to yellow, gold, or brown crusting or as in some cases, the blisters leave painful sores with red rims. Depending on the severity of the infection, impetigo can be treated with either a topical or an oral antibiotic.
Stop the Spread of Infection
The best way to keep children from spreading or catching infections is to encourage they wash their hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rubs. It’s also a good idea to clean the surfaces in your home with a household cleaner.
Dr. Shanicka is America’s Favorite Family Doctor, helping you live a healthier, happier life, one plate at a time. She does so through interactive social media groups, live-streaming healthy discussions, individual and group transformational coaching, and providing information-rich media for your reading pleasure. Dr. Shanicka is passionate about changing the climate on health disparities here in the US and abroad. Want to learn more about Dr. Shanicka? Visit www.DrShanicka.com.
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