5 Common Infectious Illnesses in Children

When your child is ill, it is important that you know what illness they are suffering from. This is especially true to determine whether they require medical attention. If you want to know which signs and symptoms indicate a certain illness, check out the top 5 on our list of common infectious illnesses in children.

• Common Cold

Blocked and runny nose, watery eyes, tickles in the throat, and coughing are just some of the signs of a common cold. Colds will usually clear up on their own with proper rest and diet.

• Ear Infection

Symptoms of Ear infections usually start quickly. Young children and babies will typically rub or pull their ears, lose their balance, and sometimes not react to some sounds. 

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

A common eye infection especially among kids under 5. The signs of conjunctivitis are red or pink eyes, swelling of the lids, excessive tears, yellow-green discharge when sleeping turning to crust around the eyelets, sensitivity to light, itchiness, and eye rubbing. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection or a result of an allergic reaction.

• Bronchitis

The main symptom of bronchitis is coughing. Their coughs can either sound dry or have mucus. They might also have a runny, nose, sore throat, fever, and might experience some wheezing.

• Stomach Flu 

Gastroenteritis also called stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea (usually watery). Babies will also cry and be irritable through the 24-hour cycle of diarrhea and vomiting. 

When to Call a Doctor

Although common infectious illnesses in children will usually go away on their own with the help of rest and medication, symptoms could still persist or worsen. If this happens, consult your doctor.