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Common Signs of Common School Ailments
As a parent, you know that the start of the new school year usually means an increased risk of illness for your child. For example, chickenpox, lice, and pink eye are easily transmitted at school. Read on to learn about the signs and symptoms of the most common ailments in school-aged children -- and what to do if they occur.
The ABCs of Common School Illnesses
If your children are going to school, then they are likely walking into a petri dish of germs. No one is immune to it. However, there are ways to help prevent spreading common viral infections and other illnesses. This article offers a guide to some of the common school ailments your child may come home with, such as head lice, the flu, and pink eye.Knowing the signs of these common problems can help you determine when it's time to keep your child home from school and when you may need to make a visit to your pediatrician's office. Let's take a look at some of the ABCs of common school illnesses, including possible symptoms and whether they require medical treatment.
Allergies
Allergies come in all shapes and varieties. And if parents have allergies, their children are more likely to have them as well. Some of the most common allergies include animal fur or dander, mold, dust, and pollen. There are also many children who have certain food allergies, such as to peanuts, eggs, and dairy products.- An unexplained rash
- Runny eyes and nose
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing.
In general, allergies are usually controlled by having the child avoid being around things he or she is allergic to. Treatment may also include antihistamines and topical skin treatments. For life-threatening anaphylactic allergies, it is important that anyone who cares for your child has access to an EpiPen®.
Written by/reviewed by: Jen McPhail
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD