RSV or respiratory syncytial virus
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among children.
RSV infections usually start showing flu-like symptoms, which include a fever, runny nose, and cough. It’s more dangerous for younger kids, and the symptoms are milder for older kids as well as adults.
Having a healthy immune system, as well as eating a lot of fruits can help strengthen your child’s immune system to combat RSV. It’s also important to teach your kids proper handwashing, so that their hands are always clean and free from germs.
Ear infections
Younger children are more prone to having ear infections compared to older kids, as their ear canals are smaller than older kids, and thus can get blocked if it gets inflamed.
When the ear canal gets inflamed due to a cold or something similar, fluid gets trapped inside the ear and allows germs to breed inside, which can cause an infection. Most of the time, the symptoms go away on their own, though in some cases, they sometimes need to be taken to the doctor for treatment.
There are also vaccines that can help prevent ear infections, so if you have access to those vaccines, it’s best to get your child those shots.
Croup
Croup is a type of cough that sounds similar to a barking seal. In this case, croup is caused by an infection in the upper airways which is usually caused by a virus.
For the most part, children who have croup recover within a week, but for more severe cases where the child finds it hard to breathe, treatment in a hospital might be necessary.
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease or HFMD is characterized by a fever, as well as blisters on the inside of the mouth, the soles of the feet, and palms of the hand.
It’s caused by a viral infection, and is most common during the summer months. Thankfully, most cases are not serious, and disappear within a week.
Sore eyes
In the Philippines, sore eyes is most common during the hot summer months. It’s also called conjunctivitis and it happens due to an inflammation or infection of the eyes.
The most common symptoms are tearing, redness, and itching in the eyes. Most cases usually disappear within a week, but it can be highly contagious, so it’s important to keep their surroundings clean to avoid infection.
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is a mysterious ailment that mostly affects children under 5. Symptoms include high and prolonged fever, rashes, swelling and redness, bloodshot eyes, and chapped lips.
If not treated, the disease can be fatal. If you suspect that your child might have Kawasaki disease, it’s important to take them to a doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common ailment that is thankfully preventable through a vaccine, and children who acquire chickenpox will have an immunity to the virus for the rest of their lives.
Chickenpox is usually characterized by fever, as well as itching. While generally harmless for most kids, it can be very dangerous for newborns, adults, and pregnant women. Which is why having your child vaccinated against chickenpox can greatly reduce the risks of chickenpox for them.
Source: webmd.com
READ: 7 Types of cough that you need to worry about
