Common Childhood Illness: Treatments and Exclusion Periods

When working with young children, practitioners need to be aware of common childhood illnesses, the signs and symptoms and how to treat children when they become unwell. Common childhood illness includes a common cold, asthma, chickenpox, hand foot and mouth, meningitis, whopping cough, conjunctivitis, and many more. Although some of these common illnesses can be easily treatable, it is important to understand that this may not always be the case and child may need to seek professional medical advice and help.

The common cold is an illness that practitioners will deal with frequently. According to the national health service young children on average can have between 3 to 8 colds and coughs in a year. Common signs and symptoms of a common cold include high temperatures, sore throat, coughs, runny nose and nasal congestions.

Asthma is a common lung condition, which commonly starts in childhood. The severity of asthma can vary depending on the individual however common signs and symptoms include, coughing, wheezing, tight chest and difficulty breathing.

Chicken pox is a common infection which appears mostly in children. Chicken pox usually start as red or pink spots appear on the body and can be itchy. These spots then become filled with liquid and turn into blisters and eventually scab over. These are not the only signs and symptoms of the infection, others include high temperature, loss of appetite and generally feeling unwell.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection where symptoms appear in these areas. Ulcers may appear around the mouth and on the tongue, which can be painful therefore a sign of this can be loss of appetite and a sore throat. Red and pink spots which turn into blisters appear on hands, feet as well as other areas on the body.

Meningitis can be a very serious and fatal disease that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spine and is mostly common within babies and young children. Symptoms can appear very quickly, if any at all. Therefore, it is important to recognise any signs and symptoms that may appear. These include high temperature, headaches, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness or unresponsive, a rash which does not fade when a glass is pressed or rolled over it, stiffness around the neck and not able to tolerate bright lights.

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection, and at first signs appear to be the same as a common cold. This includes runny nose, sore throat, cough, high temperature. However, after a few days’ symptoms may become worse meaning signs to be aware of are intense coughing episodes that last a few minutes, a ‘whoop’ sound between breaths and coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting or bringing up thick mucus or phlegm.

Conjunctivitis is a common infection which affects the eyes. Signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchy or gritty eyes, bloodshot eyes, watery or red eyes, sticky eyes where pus is stuck around eyes and eyelashes.

What Treatment Can Be Used?

Each common illness will have a different treatment for children to recover. Alongside these treatments, it is important that they are offered and have plenty of liquids to avoid more health complications including dehydration. Rest and sleep are very important as this is the bodies way of helping fight infections.

For the common cold there is no specific treatment. However, it is recommended by the national health service to drink plenty of fluids, keep warm and to rest and sleep when recovering from a common cold. In some cases, depending on the age of the child and the symptoms, medicines may be used but this must be advised and discussed with by a GP, pharmacist or health visitor.

Asthma is a lung condition which can start in childhood and continue throughout adulthood. There isn’t a cure, however there are several treatments which can help control it and prevent further damage. The most common treatment for asthma is inhalers. Inhalers are devices which allow people to inhale the medicine. For children who require inhalers a spacer can be used to ensure the medicine is inhaled properly to reach their lungs.

For chickenpox there is no specific treatment required, however there are several options that can be taken to help. Paracetamol can be taken to help relieve pain and reduce a high temperature if necessary. Antihistamines can be taken to help stop itchiness and irritation, but this must be discussed with a GP or pharmacist before using, alternatively cooling gels and lotions can also be purchased to help relive itchiness.

Like the common cold and chickenpox there is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth and it usually clears within 7-10 days on its own. However, it is recommended that for treating hand, foot and mouth that plenty of liquids are consumed, soft foods that don’t require much chewing are better and foods that are spicy, salty or are very acidic are avoided.

Treatment for meningitis requires hospitalisation. Although there are two types of meningitis which are bacterial and viral, all cases must be closely monitored by medical professionals to avoid any serious problems. Several examinations and test will be carried out to determine the outcome, and which treatment is required. For bacterial and serious cases of viral meningitis antibiotics and fluids are given directly into the veins, and the length of this is determined by the age of the child. If required oxygen masks will be provided for patients who have difficulty breathing. In mild cases of viral meningitis, after tests and examinations have been carried out the child may be able to return home and will recover usually between 7-10 days with plenty of rest and fluids. Although mild cases of viral meningitis may not require antibiotics, over the counter medicines can be purchased to help with aches and pains, and sickness.

Whopping cough can be dangerous therefore treatment depends on the age of the child, and how long they have had the infection. For babies under the age 6 months, hospitalisation is required as they are at increased risk of more severe complications. For younger children who have whooping cough, antibiotics are required as soon as possible as well as plenty of rest and fluids.

The treatment for conjunctivitis is depending on the cause of the infection. If the conjunctivitis is caused by allergies or irritation, it’s not contagious. However, if it is a bacterial or viral conjunctivitis then it is contagious meaning it can be spread from eye to eye or to another person. In most cases, it clears on its on within two weeks however it is important to ensure good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing to avoid spreading. Cleaning babies or young children’s eyes should be done using cooled boiled water, and cotton pad or swabs. For some cases, eyedrops or antihistamines can be used, however if a child is under the age of 2 these will need to be prescribed by a GP.

It is common that young children and newborn babies may have sticky eyes. Regular cleaning is recommended, and this is will usually clear up on its own, however if they don’t clear up or a baby is under 28 days old and appear to have red eyes, it is important that they see a GP immediately.

Diversity of Exclusion Periods

Exclusion periods are put in place to minimise and prevent the spread of any infections. This means that if a child has an illness or infection, they will be not able to return to the setting until the exclusion period is over. Public Health provides an exclusion table for schools and childcare settings, to prevent the spread of infections. Every setting will follow these guidelines; however, they will also have their own policies and procedures on when children should return following an illness, therefore parentscarers and staff should follow their settings policies on this.

For a common cold public health does not have an exclusion period. Many children may continue to come into settings with a cold, however if they are off, it may be that the child does not return to the setting until they are better.

Asthma is a lung condition which is not contagious. This means that there is no exclusion period for the common illness. Children who suffer with asthma will more than likely have inhalers within their setting stored away correctly, so if they require their inhaler, the setting will be able to administer it to them.

As chicken pox is contagious, the recommended exclusion period is five days after the rash has appeared, but all spots must be crusted over before returning. It is important to note that exclusion periods are for both children, their families and the staff within a setting. If a school or setting has any high-risk staff members such as a pregnant member or children with other medical conditions which makes them more vulnerable to infections, these parentscarers and staff members should be made aware, so they are able to seek further medical advice.

Although hand, foot and mouth can spread, and in some cases, exclusion may be necessary, there is currently no recommended exclusion period according to public health. In these cases, settings should continue and maintain high standards of hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing and a clean environment.

Meningitis does not have a specific recommended exclusion period according to public health, however if a child does have meningitis they should return to the setting when they are recovered.

Public health guidance states that children are excluded for a minimum of 2 days from commencing antibiotics treatment, or 21 days from onset of symptoms if they child does not have a course of antibiotics for whooping cough.

There is currently no exclusion period for conjunctivitis, however with all illnesses and infections this may vary in schools and childcare settings policies and procedures, and when there are several cases within a setting, this must be reported, and potential exclusions may be necessary.

Conclusion

Common childhood illnesses can be a challenging experience for both parents and children. It is important for parents to stay informed and take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of their child becoming sick. Additionally, seeking medical attention and following the recommended treatment plan can aid in a child's recovery. By understanding and addressing common childhood illnesses, parents can ensure the health and well-being of their children.