When children have to go back to school after a long break, meeting friends, talking, and playing together, there may sometimes be close contact and touching of things without being cautious about infectious diseases. Therefore, parents need to be well-prepared by paying attention to hygiene and being vigilant, closely observing the symptoms or health of their children.
What diseases should children be cautious of?
There are many infectious diseases that often spread during the school term because schools may have activities where children interact, touch each other, or share belongings. This close contact allows germs to spread easily in many diseases, such as:
- COVID-19
An infectious disease that we all must vigilantly protect ourselves against. Frequent hand washing with alcohol and wearing masks at all times when outside the home are necessary.
Cause Caused by the coronavirus, which can spread through contact, droplets from coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge of infected individuals.
Symptoms High fever, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, frequent coughing, phlegm, and some cases may have vomiting and diarrhea. - Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
A highly contagious disease caused by direct contact with germs.
Cause Caused by bacteria or viruses, transmitted through contact with tears and eye discharge of infected persons, sharing items with patients, or through coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms Eye irritation, eye pain, swollen eyes, red eyes, itching, watery eyes, and excessive eye discharge. - Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
A common infectious disease in children, often spreading during the rainy season or the transition from summer to rainy season. This disease can cause complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.
Cause Caused by an acute viral infection in the intestines and transmitted through direct contact with secretions from patients, such as saliva, nasal mucus, and blisters. This disease is more common in younger children than older ones.
Symptoms High fever, painful blisters in the mouth or throat, clear blisters on the palms, soles, and body. - Diarrhea
A condition characterized by abnormal loose stools, occurring at least 3 times consecutively.
Cause Caused by consuming food or water contaminated with germs, including putting dirty toys or objects into the mouth.
Symptoms Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some cases may have fever. - Influenza (Flu)
A disease that spreads widely during the rainy and winter seasons, which coincide with the school term.
Cause Caused by the influenza virus, easily transmitted through breathing, coughing, sneezing, droplets of nasal mucus, and phlegm from infected persons, as well as contact or sharing items with patients.
Symptoms High fever lasting several days, chills, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and muscle aches. - Dengue Fever
A disease commonly found in children, especially during the rainy season when stagnant water allows mosquitoes to breed.
Cause Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus, which infects those bitten.
Symptoms High fever, body aches, rash, red spots on the skin, lethargy, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If children have a high fever without a known cause, they should be taken to see a doctor immediately.
To prevent diseases, parents must closely observe their children’s symptoms. If there are any abnormal signs or symptoms indicating a possible illness, they should promptly take their children to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Protecting children from various diseases that may invade is crucial to help them stay healthy, attend school regularly, and happily explore the world.
Dr. Pornnapa Saetang
Pediatric Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
