Common childhood diseases

Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP

Chickenpox Some diseases, such as chickenpox, give immunity for the rest of your life, which is why often only children get these diseases. Symptoms Red, quite itchy, spots or blisters are scattered over the entire body and the child has a moderate fever. Treatment Symptomatic treatment with calamine lotion to reduce itching. Antiviral medicine in severe cases. Incubation period Between 10 to 20 days from being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectious period Chickenpox is contagious before the disease breaks out and may be so until the last spots have disappeared and the scabs or crusts have fallen off. The child should stay home until the crusts have fallen off and the blisters are no longer weeping. Whooping cough Symptoms Whooping cough is characterised by long fits of coughing followed by wheezy breathing and possibly vomiting. Symptoms are typically worse at night. Treatment Fresh air is important. Because of the risk of vomiting, the child should be given small meals more often, instead of a few large ones. Incubation period Between 10 to 14 days from being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectious period The disease is especially contagious during the first week, while the child still has a trace of a cold. The infectiousness does, however, wear off in the following five to seven weeks. It is important to keep the child away from other children under the age of one year. 'Fifth' disease (erythema infectiosum) Symptoms The child has red specks on the cheeks, nose, arms, thighs and buttocks. These are often blurred which makes it look like the child has been slapped. For this reason, fifth disease is often known as 'slapped cheek' syndrome. It can last up to 14 days and rarely causes a fever. It is mostly seen in children between the ages of 4 and 12. Treatment It cannot be treated, but disappears by itself. It is usually quite a mild illness. Incubation period Two weeks between being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectious period Once the rash appears, the disease is no longer infectious. Complications Pregnant women should avoid being in contact with children with fifth disease as it may cause a miscarriage. Pregnant women with a child who contracts fifth disease should contact their doctor. The incubation period is a couple of weeks. Three-day-fever (roseola infantum) Symptoms A child with three-day-fever has a high fever for three days and a pink rash covers their body. It is mostly seen in children under the age of three years. Treatment Undress the child to ensure they aren't too warm. Give the child fever reducing medication (such as paracetamol (eg Calpol)) to control their temperature and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Incubation period Between 10 to 15 days from being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectiousness It is contagious during the whole period of the disease and up to two to three days after. Avoid contact with other children under three years of age during the whole period. Hand, foot and mouth disease Symptoms The child has a large number of small spots and blisters, particularly in the mouth and on the feet and hands. The disease can cause a slight fever for a few days. Treatment As with most diseases causing a fever, it is important to make sure the child gets plenty to drink. If the ulcers in their mouth are severe it may help to mash up the child's food. Incubation period Two to three days between being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectious period The disease is contagious as long as blisters or spots are still present. Scarlet fever Symptoms The child has a slight to moderate fever, a sore throat and a rash which is often located in their armpits or groin. The child's skin peels and they get a coarse, pink tongue - a condition known as strawberry tongue. Treatment Antibiotics are usually given for this disease. It is important to keep the child at home and avoid contact with other children. Incubation period Three to eight days between being exposed to the infection and showing symptoms. Infectiousness Scarlet fever is contagious for the first few days, but after three days of antibiotics the risk is almost gone.

Based on a text by Dr Carl J Brandt

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony believed that women deserve the same rights as men—the right to go to college, the right to own land, and the right to vote. Throughout their lives, they worked together to gather support through public speeches, parades, and newspaper articles. Many years later, their work and the work of hundreds of others led to the Nineteenth Amendment, granting American women the right to vote. We collected ideas from kids all across the country, with their suggestions for the Kids Bill of Rights. We've posted some of the most popular answers below. Do you agree with this list? Try making your own list for the kids in your neighborhood, your school, or your town. Kyle, Age 10 All children should be able to play any sports without worry about cost. Caitlin, Age 11 Kids should have the right to protest if they are feeling unjustly treated by adults or other kids. Sally, Age 11 I think all children should be able to go to college when they are at a proper age. Kira, Age 11 I think kids should be able to vote in something they believe in. Susanne, Age 8 Kids should have the right to go to bed whenever they want. Sara, Age 10 Kids should have the right to wear what they want to wear to school but if they wear something that is see-through then they should wear something else. Madison, Age 4 Kids have the right to tell grown-ups when something is upsetting them. Elisha, Age 9 When your parents are getting a divorce you have the right to speak in court. Katie, Age 9 and a half Kids should have the right to vote on subjects taught in public schools. Jessie, Age 8 I want a right to help the kids with no family. I want to find more homes for them. Irina, Age 11 All special days or national holidays we have are celebrating grown-ups like Christopher Columbus. I think us kids should have our own day celebrating us. We could be in charge for once.