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A form of enterovirus, Coxsackie often leads to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - a nasty virus that often occurs in kids under 5.
Signs of Hand, Foot and Mouth:
· Fever
· Low appetite
· Sore throat
· Sores in mouth, developing 1-2 days after fever starts
· Skin rash with red spots on palms of hands and soles of feet
· May also develop a rash on knees, elbows, buttocks and genital area
What to do:
· There’s no treatment for the disease - it will need to run its course
· Keep kids hydrated, even if it’s difficult to swallow
· Consider over the counter pain relievers (not Aspirin)
· Certain mouthwashes may numb mouth pain
Prevention:
· The illness is transmitted from one infected person to another via bodily fluids or via contaminated water
· Be sure to wash hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces
· Avoid contact with anyone infected with the virus
Croup
Croup is an infection of the upper airway, which leads to inflammation of the airway and obstructed breathing.
Signs of Croup:
· Mucous in the airway
· Noisy breathing and a hoarse, barking cough
· Usually starts with cold symptoms
What to do:
· Breathing moist air may offer comfort to your child
· Give children over 6 months ibuprofen or acetaminophen for comfort
· Make sure they drink plenty of fluids
· Monitor their breathing, especially at night
Prevention:
· Croup is transmitted through a virus that can be spread from an infected person to another
· Most cases clear up on their own, but it’s a good idea to keep an infected child away from healthy children to prevent spreading
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
Signs of Lyme Disease (often flu-like):
· Fever
· Headache
· Fatigue
· Skin rash
· Muscle and joint aches
· Chills
· Untreated infections can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system
What to do:
· Lyme Disease found early can be easily treated with antibiotics
· If you suspect your child has been bitten by a tick, keep a close eye on them
· Get your child checked early if there’s any chance of Lyme Disease
Prevention:
· Lyme Disease is spread through insect bites, mainly via infected ticks
· Use insect repellent when in the woods or grass
· Search your children for ticks after they’ve been outside, and remove any promptly
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping Cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is commonly spread at summer camp.
Signs of Whooping Cough:
· Starts with a cold-like cough, runny nose and fever
· Babies may develop apnea - a pause in breathing
· Violent coughing, often uncontrollable, followed by a deep inhale that makes a “whooping” sound
· Vomiting
· Exhaustion
What to do:
· It can be treated with prescribed antibiotics
· If suspected, take your child to the doctor immediately
· DO NOT give your child cough medicine
· Make sure your child is drinking fluids and eating, especially if vomiting occurs
Prevention:
· There is a vaccine for Whooping Cough
· It can be transmitted from one infected person to another
Norovirus
The Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, or the stomach bug. It’s often foodborne and causes your stomach and intestines to become inflamed.
Signs of Norovirus:
· Diarrhea
· Nausea/vomiting
· Stomach pain
· Fever
· Head and body aches
What to do:
· Ensure your child is properly hydrated
· There’s no specific treatment; the virus will have to run its course
Prevention:
· Wash hands regularly and ensure food is properly cooked and washed
· Avoid being around someone who is infected with Norovirus
