Now that the school year has begun, your little ones are susceptible to catching illnesses due to close classroom quarters. The changing of the seasons can also serve to weaken their immune response. To ensure your child stays healthy, here’s some helpful information your pediatrician wants you to know. 

4 Childhood Illnesses & What to Do About Them

1. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is known as a childhood virus that results in itchy, red spots across the body as well as a high fever and sore throat. Chickenpox is considered highly contagious and, as such, pediatricians and children’s hospitals alike recommend every child get vaccinated. If your child is unvaccinated and catches chickenpox from a classmate, schedule an appointment with your children’s doctor for care instructions, particularly when it comes to soothing itchy lesions.

2. Pink Eye

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common eye infection caused by allergies or unwanted bacteria getting into the eye. It results in redness, irritation, and swelling of the white sclera. Since this infection is highly contagious, children in a classroom are likely to catch it from classmates. Therefore, if you notice the signs, keep your son or daughter at home. In addition, encourage proper hygiene habits.

3. Cold & Flu

On average, adults have two to three colds per year, but children often experience the common cold with even more frequency. Furthermore, every year, millions of children get the flu. Since children are more likely to develop serious symptoms that require treatment from a pediatrician, prevention is critical. Flu vaccines are highly encouraged for children. You should also educate your child on the importance of washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their mouth and eyes with dirty hands.

Encourage them to avoid touching and hugging classmates that are sick with a cold. At home, keep their immune system strong by ensuring your child gets plenty of sleep, enjoys a nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and plenty of exercise. 

4. Head Lice

According to the CDC, there are anywhere from 6 to 12 million cases of head lice every year. This issue is most frequently seen in pre-school and elementary school children and in turn, their caretakers. Head lice cause itchy scalps, head sores, irritability, and can be easily transmitted from one individual to another.

To prevent this problem, instruct your child to always avoid head to head contact when playing, taking photos, or participating in school activities. Avoid allowing your children to share clothing, hats, brushes, stuffed animals, and bedding, especially with a friend that is currently undergoing treatment for head lice. 

Are you looking for a top-notch pediatrician who can ensure your little one is healthy and educated on illness prevention this school year? If so, Children & Adolescent Clinic PC is the children’s hospital for your family. Based in the heart of Hastings, NE, this children’s doctor believes in comprehensive, preventative care whether your little one needs vaccinations or help with mental health issues. Call today at (402) 463-6828 to schedule an appointment and visit their website for more information on their services.