Schools Out, Illness About: Tips For Managing Common Childhood Illnesses

Childhood illnesses are quite common and are part of kids’ lives as they grow. From the cold and flu to tummy issues, fevers, ear infections, allergies, and more, these common childhood illnesses can make kids miserable and disrupt routine family life. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it becomes our responsibility to help manage these common childhood illnesses, whether in school or even when they are out of school and enjoying their freedom.

Thankfully, you may be able to manage most of these illnesses without too much disruption if you know what to do. We will discuss how to spot the signs of common childhood ailments and provide some insightful tips for caring for them. Whether it’s fever, diarrhea, or just a stubborn cough, you’ll learn when to treat symptoms at home and when it’s time to go to TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track. With the right care,  your kids can get back to their playful, energetic selves before you know it.

Understanding Viral and Bacterial Infections

Many common childhood illnesses can be categorized into viral or bacterial infections. Viruses are tiny infectious agents that invade living cells and replicate. Common viral infections include the flu, common cold, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and COVID-19.  Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause infections by invading tissues or secreting toxins. Common bacterial infections include strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), tuberculosis, and bacterial pneumonia.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are caused by pathogenic bacteria. These are tiny creatures that can exist both within and on the human body. Some common bacterial infections in kids include strep throat, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Treatment: Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics, which are medications that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection and its susceptibility to different antibiotics. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Viral Infections

Viral infections are caused by viruses. Some common viral infections in kids include the common cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and chickenpox.

Treatment: You can treat viral infections with antiviral medications. Children should also get plenty of rest or sleep and stay hydrated. In some cases, you may need to keep your child isolated to prevent spreading the virus. Vaccines are available for preventing certain viral infections (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, pneumococcal vaccines, meningococcal vaccines).

Common Childhood Illnesses

Here are some common childhood illnesses and how to recognize and manage them:

Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection that affects the child’s upper respiratory tract. It’s often characterized by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a mild fever.

Transmission: Common cold spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Your child may contract cold from touching contaminated surfaces.

Management: Sleep, hydration (drink lots of water), and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief are best practices for fighting a cold. The common cold lasts around 7 days.

Flu (Influenza)

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes can lead to death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Symptoms: Symptoms of flu are more severe than the common cold. They include high fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes respiratory symptoms.

Treatment: Just like with the common cold, you can recommend adequate sleep or rest, hydration, and sometimes antiviral medications.

Fever

Fever is a temporary rise in body temperature usually caused by an infection. When this occurs, the body’s defense or immune system kicks in, sending white blood cells to fight and destroy the cause of the infection.

Symptoms: The main symptom of fever is a temporary rise in body temperature (above 100.4°F  or 38°C).  Other symptoms include being less active, muscle aches, feeling warm, sweating, feeling less hungry, headache, irritation, chills, and shivering.

Treatment: If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help reduce fever and relieve discomfort. Follow the dosing instructions on the medication package or consult your child’s healthcare provider for appropriate dosages based on your child’s age and weight. Cold compresses and Lukewarm baths can also help lower the body temperature. You should also encourage rest and more fluid intake.

However, if the fever persists over three (3) days, your child appears ill, or you notice other concerning symptoms, you should seek adequate medical care.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus. This bacterium is highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or nasal secretions.

Symptoms: Symptoms include a severe sore throat, fever, and pain while swallowing.

Treatment: You will need to go to your pediatrician or urgent care center to be tested for strep to be prescribed antibiotics (such as penicillin) to treat and prevent further complications.

Ear Infections

Childhood ear infections are common and can be painful. Treatment depends on various factors, including the child’s age, the severity of symptoms, and whether the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include tugging the ear, fever, trouble hearing, and trouble sleeping from pain.

Treatment: It’s essential to consult your child’s healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of ear infections. They can determine the appropriate course of action based on your child’s individual circumstances and medical history. Treatment may include antibiotics, ear drops, over-the-counter pain relievers, warm compresses and rest, and plenty of fluids.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia in children is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms. It can affect children of all ages, but it is most common in infants and young children, particularly those under the age of 5. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children or those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include cough with mucus, fever, fast breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Treatment: The treatment for pneumonia in children depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the infection. Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, while viral pneumonia may not require specific antiviral medications and may be managed with supportive care such as rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases of pneumonia, especially if the child is having difficulty breathing or maintaining hydration.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system – the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTIs are most common in girls and are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and traveling to the bladder.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include painful urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, cloudy urine, bedwetting, and sometimes fever.

Treatment: If you suspect you have a UTI, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may order a urine test to confirm the presence of bacteria and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs caused by bacteria.  Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve discomfort and reduce fever associated with UTIs. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract and keep your urine diluted.

Stomach Bugs and Diarrhea

Stomach bugs or stomach flu are intestinal infections that cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, mild fever, headache, and muscle aches.

Treatment: You can give your child OTC medications to reduce diarrhea and treat nausea, oral rehydration solutions, and bland foods such as rice, toast, and bananas.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Recognizing and treating childhood illnesses promptly can prevent complications and make your little one feel better. However, while you can manage many minor childhood ailments at home using the insightful tips above, knowing when to seek professional medical care is crucial.

Pay close attention to symptoms that are severe, persistent, or getting worse. For fevers that remain high or don’t respond to medication, excessive vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek immediate attention.

If you believe your child has an illness, you can make an “On My Way” reservation on the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track or visit  www.fasttrackurgentcare.com today to reserve a spot and get in line.

Alternatively, you can walk into any of our 19 urgent care centers from Sun City and Apollo Beach in Southern Hillsborough County to Trinity and Wesley Chapel to the north.  We’ve got you covered throughout Tampa Bay with locations in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties.  Our experienced physicians will promptly attend to you and your child and provide the best and most compassionate medical care possible.