Childhood Illnesses (from class activity) class 10

what is it, what it looks like, symtoms

What is Scabies and how does it spread?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items like clothing and bedding.

What are the signs and symptoms of Whooping Cough?

Signs and symptoms include a red/blue face, runny/stuffy nose, red eyes, fever, cough, and struggle to breathe.

often sound like a whoop when coughing

What is the exclusion period for children diagnosed with Chickenpox?

Children will be excluded until at least 5 days after the rash appeared or until all lesions have crusted.

How is Ringworm transmitted?

Ringworm is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, touching infected objects, or contact with infected animals.

What are the main symptoms of the Flu?

Main symptoms of the flu include sudden fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and loss of appetite.

What is the incubation period for Fifth Disease?

The incubation period for Fifth Disease is typically 4-14 days.

What are the characteristics of Impetigo?

Impetigo is characterized by red bumps and blisters, which may ooze and become covered in a honey-colored crust.

How does Lice spread?

Lice spreads through direct contact from hair-to-hair or indirect contact like using the same hairbrush as someone infected.

What is Thrush and how does it manifest?

Thrush is a yeast infection, characterized by white patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks.

What is Measles and how is it transmitted?

Measles is a very contagious viral respiratory infection, transmitted through respiratory droplets and can survive in the air.

What precautions need to be taken if a child has Gastroenteritis?

The child should be excluded until at least 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhea to prevent spreading.

What is scabies and how does it spread?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items like clothing and bedding.

What does scabies look like?

It appears as red, itchy bumps or rash, often with thin, wavy lines from mite burrows on the skin.

What are the signs and symptoms of scabies?

Some signs and symptoms are intense itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like skin rash. Rashes usually appear between fingers, in the skin folds of the wrist, elbow, knee, or armpit.

Will my child be excluded if they get scabies? If so, how long?

Yes, children will be excluded for 24 hours if they get scabies. They can usually return to childcare the day (24 hours) after treatment.

I'm pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about scabies?

Pregnant individuals should be cautious, but scabies does not pose a direct risk to the baby. It spreads through close skin contact, so avoiding contact with infected individuals and following proper hygiene measures is essential.

What is important information regarding scabies prevention?

Washing clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying on high heat helps prevent the spread of scabies. Temperatures in excess of 50°C or 122°F for 10 minutes will kill mites and eggs.

What is whooping cough and how does it spread?

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection that causes a high-pitched cough that mimics a sound like a 'whoop'. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What does whooping cough look like?

The visual symptoms of whooping cough include a red/blue face due to coughing, along with other symptoms like a runny/stuffy nose and red eyes.

What are the signs and symptoms of whooping cough?

Signs and symptoms include:

• Red/blue face
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Red eyes
• Fever
• Cough
• Struggle to breathe
• Possible seizures

Will my child be excluded if they get whooping cough? If so, how long?

Yes, children should stay home until they have received 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment or for 3 weeks from the onset of illness if they are not treated.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about whooping cough?

Yes, it's important to be cautious as whooping cough can be severe for babies. Vaccination is recommended to help protect against the disease.

What other important information is there about whooping cough?

Getting a vaccine booster helps prevent the risk of getting whooping cough. It's crucial to maintain vaccination schedules for children and monitor for symptoms.

What is ringworm and how does it spread?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that lives on dead tissues of skin, hair, and nails. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, touching infected objects, or contact with infected animals like cats and dogs.

What does ringworm look like?

It appears as a circular rash with a raised, red edge, often scaly. On the scalp, it can cause bald patches, and on feet, it may cause cracked, itchy skin.

What are the signs and symptoms of ringworm?

Signs and symptoms include:

• Itchy, flaky, ring-shaped rash
• Scaly patches
• Bald patches on the scalp
• Cracking skin between toes (athlete's foot)

Will my child be excluded if they get ringworm? If so, how long?

Yes, the child should be excluded until after the first treatment has started. They can return to school or childcare after this.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about ringworm?

No special risk is noted for pregnancy. Standard hygiene precautions should be followed to prevent infection.

What other important information should be known about ringworm?

Teach children not to share combs, towels, etc. Encourage showering after sports, ensure they wear flip-flops in communal showers/pools, and wash clothing regularly.

What is the flu and how does it spread?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It spreads through:

1. Direct contact, such as touching or holding hands.
2. Indirect contact, such as touching objects like toys.
3. Through the air when a person coughs or sneezes.

What does the flu look like?

The flu typically does not have a specific visual; however, common symptoms include sudden fever, chills and shakes, headache, muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat, and loss of appetite.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?

Signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Sudden fever
• Chills and shakes
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite

Will my child be excluded if they get the flu? If so, how long?

Yes, the child should stay home until they feel well enough to participate in regular activities.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about the flu?

Yes, pregnant women are at higher risk of flu complications because pregnancy affects the immune system, heart, and lungs.

What other important information should be known about the flu?

Influenza can be prevented through immunization. Children over 6 months old should receive a flu shot each year. Do not give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to children younger than 6 years old.

What are pinworms and how do they spread?

Pinworms are tiny, white worms that look like thread and live inside the rectum. They spread through:

• Direct contact with an infected person or their environment, as the infected person can transfer eggs to surfaces.
• Scratching the itchy area can spread pinworm eggs onto fingers or under fingernails, contaminating objects like toys, toilet seats, clothes, or bedding. Eggs can live for up to 2 weeks outside the body.

What do pinworms look like?

Pinworms appear as tiny, white worms resembling threads. They are not usually visible during the day since they come out at night to lay eggs around the anus.

What are the signs and symptoms of pinworm infection?

Most children with pinworms have no symptoms, but some may experience severe itching around the anus and vagina, especially at night. If the infection is severe, it can disrupt sleep and make the child cranky.

Will my child be excluded if they get pinworms? If so, how long?

No, there is no exclusion requirement for children with pinworms.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about pinworms?

While pregnancy is not a risk factor for pinworm infestation, taking multiple anthelmintic tablets during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can be challenging.

What other important information should be known about pinworms?

If you suspect your child has pinworms, it's important to consult a doctor for testing. Additionally, good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and cleaning surfaces regularly, can help prevent the spread of pinworms.

What is roseola and how does it spread?

Roseola is a viral illness caused by the human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). It is most common in children between 6 to 24 months of age. The virus spreads when a person breathes in droplets that contain the virus after an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs.

What does roseola look like?

Roseola presents as pinkish-red spots that often start on the chest and then spread to the neck and other parts of the body, usually following a period of high fever.

What are the signs and symptoms of roseola?

Signs and symptoms of roseola include:

• High fever
• Pinkish-red spots or rash beginning on the chest
• Rash spreading to neck and other areas of the body after fever

Will my child be excluded if they get roseola? If so, how long?

Yes, the child should be excluded from school for about 24 hours after the fever has gone, even if the rash is still present. The child is no longer considered contagious after this time and can return to the childcare center.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about roseola?

No, there is no evidence that exposure to roseola during pregnancy has a negative effect on the mother or the fetus.

What other important information should be known about roseola?

To prevent the spread of roseola, focus on good hygiene practices, avoid sharing personal items, and keep children with fever at home until they are no longer contagious. Although there is no current vaccine to prevent roseola, it is a self-limiting illness that resolves on its own.

What is impetigo and how does it spread?

Impetigo is a childhood skin infection caused by strep or staph infections. It spreads through:

• Indirect contact (touching objects that have come into contact with the rash)
• Direct contact (touching the rash directly)

It is not caused by the child being 'dirty'; children with sensitive skin or eczema are more prone to infection.

What does impetigo look like?

Impetigo typically appears around the child's mouth, nose, or skin that is uncovered by clothes. The rash can begin as a cluster of red bumps and blisters, which may ooze and become covered in a honey-colored crust.

What are the signs and symptoms of impetigo?

Signs and symptoms of impetigo include:

• Red bumps and blisters on the skin
• Blisters that may ooze and then crust over
• Fever, pain, and swelling if the infection is serious
• Weakness in children with severe infections.

Will my child be excluded if they get impetigo? If so, how long?

Yes, children will be excluded until they have received appropriate antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours. They should stay home until the antibiotic prescribed by a doctor has been taken for at least 24 hours and they feel well enough to participate.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about impetigo?

No, there is no specific concern regarding pregnancy and impetigo mentioned.

What other important information should be known about impetigo?

To reduce the spread of impetigo, remember to follow proper handwashing practices, do not share face cloths and bedding, and contact the public health unit if more than one child in the room has had impetigo within the month.

What is strep throat and how does it spread?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria, most common in children. It spreads through:

• Direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or sores on the skin.
• Indirect contact, such as being airborne through coughs or sneezes.

What does strep throat look like?

Strep throat is visible when:

• The uvula is swollen.
• Red spots appear on the roof of the mouth.
• Grey spots appear on the tongue.
• Tonsils are inflamed and display white spots.

What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?

Signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen/sore neck and throat nodes
• Additional symptoms may include headache, sore stomach, and nausea.

Will my child be excluded if they get strep throat? If so, how long?

Yes, children may be excluded as strep throat can spread indirectly through coughs or sneezes. They should stay home until they have taken the prescribed antibiotics for at least one full day, provided antibiotics were prescribed by their doctor.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about strep throat?

It is unlikely that a pregnant adult will contract strep throat as it is most common in children. If a pregnant adult does contract the illness, the fetus will not be directly affected unless the strep throat is left untreated, potentially leading to complications.

What other important information should be known about strep throat?

Children with strep throat typically do not exhibit common cold symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose.

What is thrush and how does it spread?

Thrush, caused by the yeast "Candida albicans," is a yeast infection that commonly affects the mouths of infants. It spreads through:

• Saliva, and can be transferred to the mother through breastfeeding.

What does thrush look like?

Thrush appears as white patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks that cannot be wiped off. Infants may also show signs of the infection in their diaper area.

What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?

Signs and symptoms of thrush include:

• White patches on the tongue and inside the mouth that cannot be wiped off.
• Possible signs in the diaper area if the infection spreads.

Will my child be excluded if they get thrush? If so, how long?

No, a child with thrush typically will not be excluded from school or daycare. They can return once treatment starts and they feel well. Thrush is not highly infectious.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about thrush?

While thrush can affect the mother during breastfeeding by passing the yeast infection back and forth, there is no evidence suggesting that a pregnant woman needs to avoid contact with infants who have thrush.

What other important information should be known about thrush?

Thrush is most commonly seen in infants after they have taken antibiotics. It usually causes no significant problems to an infant. Treatment may include:

• The infection could clear up on its own.
• Anti-fungal medication from a doctor might be needed.
  To prevent transmission, clean bottles and pacifiers and use breast pads without plastic barriers, as plastic can promote the growth of thrush.

What is Fifth's disease and how does it spread?

Fifth's Disease, also known as Erythema Infectiosum, is a viral infection that affects the skin and causes a red rash on the cheeks. It spreads through:

• Contact with an infected person or object.
• Airborne transmission.

Once the rash appears, it becomes non-contagious.

What does Fifth's disease look like?

Fifth's disease usually appears as a very red rash on a child’s cheeks, giving a characteristic ‘slapped cheek’ look.

What are the signs and symptoms of Fifth's disease?

Signs and symptoms of Fifth's disease include:

• A red rash on the cheeks.
• Mild fever.
• Mild cold-like symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose and upset stomach.

Antibiotics do not help recovery as the infection is viral, not bacterial.

Will my child be excluded if they get Fifth's disease? If so, how long?

No exclusion is necessary. Children with Fifth's disease do not need to stay home if they feel well enough to participate in activities and do not have a fever.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about Fifth's disease?

Pregnant women usually do not experience serious complications after being exposed to someone with Fifth's disease. However, in rare cases, the baby may develop

What is diarrhea and how does it spread?

Diarrhea is defined as having loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. The main cause is often a virus that infects the gut (gastroenteritis), sometimes referred to as the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug.' Other causes can include:

• Infections
• Food poisoning
• Medications

What does diarrhea look like?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools. Visual signs may include an increased frequency of bowel movements, which can vary from child to child.

What are the signs and symptoms of diarrhea?

Signs and symptoms of diarrhea typically include:

• Loose stool
• Abdominal cramps
• A strong need to have a bowel movement
• Nausea

Symptoms may sometimes indicate other illnesses, including COVID-19.

Will my child be excluded if they get diarrhea? If so, how long?

Yes, children exhibiting new or worsening symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhea, should remain home until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours. This is to prevent the spread of infections.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about diarrhea?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. The main concern is to stay hydrated to help manage symptoms and ensure both mother and

What is a gastrointestinal infection and how does it spread?

Gastrointestinal (GI) infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It spreads through:

• Close contact with infected persons
• Touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., toys, door handles)
• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils
• Eating contaminated food (especially meats and seafood)

What does a gastrointestinal infection look like?

A child with a gastrointestinal infection may appear tired, pale, and weak. Common visible symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and a general appearance of illness.

What are the signs and symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection?

Signs and symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and body aches
• Possible dehydration signs (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness, few or no tears)

Will my child be excluded if they get a gastrointestinal infection? If so, how long?

Yes, the child should be excluded until at least 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhea to prevent spreading the infection.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about a gastrointestinal infection?

Gastroenteritis itself does not pose specific risks to pregnancy, but pregnant individuals should take care to avoid dehydration and infection. Proper hydration is crucial.

What other important information should be known about gastrointestinal infections?

To help prevent gastrointestinal infections:

• Maintain good hand hygiene.
• Disinfect toys and surfaces often.
• The rotavirus vaccine helps prevent severe cases.
• Keep children hydrated to prevent dehydration.

What are lice and how do they spread?

Lice are tiny insects that lay eggs (nits) on a person’s scalp. They spread through:

• Direct contact from hair-to-hair
• Indirect contact, such as using the same hairbrush as someone infected.

What do lice look like?

Lice start off as nits, which are as tiny as a grain of sand and can be tan, whitish-grey, or yellow ovals. They develop into baby lice (nymphs), which are smaller than adult lice, and eventually adult lice, which are the size of a sesame seed.

What are the signs and symptoms of lice?

There can be no visible signs or symptoms of lice, but the most common symptom is an itchy scalp.

Will my child be excluded if they get lice? If so, how long?

Children should be treated for lice before returning to childcare. While it is common among young children and does not spread any disease, it is not mandatory for a child to stay home.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about lice?

Lice are not a disease; they are itchy and unpleasant. Therefore, they are nothing to worry about, even for pregnant individuals.

What other important information should be known about lice?

Lice are a common issue among children but do not pose serious health risks. Treatment is available, and maintaining good hair hygiene can help manage any occurrences.

What is scarlet fever and how does it spread?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that features a bright red rash covering most of the body. It primarily spreads through:

• Droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

What does scarlet fever look like?

Scarlet fever presents as:

• A bright red rash that covers most of the body.
• Bright red lines, often in the folds of the skin.
• A flushed face.
• A 'strawberry' tongue, which appears red with white patches.

What are the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever?

Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever include:

• Red rash
• Red lines
• Flushed face
• Strawberry tongue
• Sore throat
• High fever
• Difficulty swallowing

Will my child be excluded if they get scarlet fever? If so, how long?

Yes, children should stay home until an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor has been

What are mumps and how do they spread?

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily spreads through droplets from the nose or throat of someone with mumps. It can spread by:

• Coughing or sneezing (droplets landing in the nose or mouth of nearby individuals).
• Contact with saliva (e.g., kissing, sharing toys, or drinks that have been in the mouth of an infected person).

What do mumps look like?

Mumps causes visible swelling of the salivary glands around the jaw and cheeks, resulting in puffy cheeks. Affected individuals may also show signs of fever and general discomfort.

What are the signs and symptoms of mumps?

Signs and symptoms of mumps include:

• Fever
• Aches and pains
• Headaches
• Swelling of the salivary glands (especially around the jaw and cheeks)
• Painful swallowing and chewing, which may worsen as the glands swell over 1 to 3 days.

Will my child be excluded if they get mumps? If so, how long?

Yes, children should remain home for at least 5 days after the swollen glands first appear, to prevent the spread of mumps.

I’m pregnant (or my co-worker is), should I be concerned about mumps?

While mumps can cause painful infections of the ovaries in women, it does not prevent pregnancy. However, in severe cases, mumps can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, which can have serious consequences such as seizures, hearing loss, or death.

What is measles and how does it spread?

Measles is a very contagious viral respiratory infection. It spreads through:

• Being in the same room as someone with measles (airborne virus).
• The virus can survive in the air for over an hour if the infected person has recently left the area.

What does measles look like?

Measles features very red eyes and a reddish blotchy rash that begins around the face and head, then spreads down to the body, arms, and legs.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles?

Signs and symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Aches and pains
• Severe cough
• Red eyes
• Red blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading to arms and body
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite