Childhood illnesses, ranging from mild colds to more severe infections like tonsillitis, help children strengthen their immune systems. It’s common for children to catch viruses at school or childcare facilities.

If your child has a compromised immune system, difficulty breathing, high fever, or signs of a skin infection, seek medical attention.

To learn more, tune in to our Healthy Me podcast episode on managing childhood viruses.

Here are some tips for parents to manage chickenpox in children:

• Keep your child hydrated with plenty of fluids.
• Use calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to help relieve itching.
• Keep your child’s nails short to prevent scratching and potential infection.
• Avoid giving your child aspirin, as it can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Try to keep your child comfortable and rested during the recovery period.

Remember to consult with your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice and guidance on managing chickenpox.

Relieving Itching

To alleviate the itching from chickenpox spots, use calamine lotion, wear loose clothing, and take cool baths.

For children over one year old, give antihistamines and ensure short nails to prevent scratching.

Avoiding Complications

While paracetamol can help reduce fever and pain, avoid using ibuprofen and aspirin for chickenpox. Ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of complications such as Reye’s syndrome in individuals with chickenpox.

Preventing Dehydration

Offer fluids and cold beverages, particularly if the child has a fever, to prevent dehydration due to chickenpox.

It is important to encourage frequent sips of water, clear soups, and oral rehydration solutions to keep the child hydrated during this time. Avoid giving sugary or caffeinated drinks as they can worsen dehydration.

Monitor the child’s urine output and make sure they are urinating regularly. If you notice signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output, seek medical attention immediately.

Reducing Infection Risk

Maintain cleanliness, change outfits frequently, and pay attention to areas prone to developing spots, such as the bottom and genitals if your child wears diapers.

Managing Contagion

Keep your infected child away from high-risk groups and at home until all blisters have crusted over.

• Avoid contact with pregnant individuals, the elderly, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Spotting Symptoms

If children exhibit early symptoms or are under two months old, seek medical help.

More Information

Tune in to our Healthy Me podcast for further insights on common childhood viruses.

Disclaimer: The podcast may not always provide the most up-to-date information.

Speaker: Alice Windsor

Speaker 2: Dr. Samantha Wild

They discuss why children frequently contract viruses and emphasize the importance of strengthening the immune system. Suggestions include breastfeeding and vaccines to boost immunity in children.

Ensure children are well-hydrated, use paracetamol for colds, and trust parental instincts when seeking medical help.

A normal temperature is 36.4°C, with anything over 38°C considered high. Elevated temperatures are typical and indicate the body’s defense against infections.

If a child is distressed, administer either paracetamol or ibuprofen—not both simultaneously. Treat the temperature and distress accordingly. Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperature, provide fluids, and watch for signs in children under 3 months or those over 38°C, and children between 3 and 6 months with temperatures exceeding 39°C.

If the fever persists, signs of dehydration appear, or other worrying symptoms like lethargy, fast breathing, or abnormal rash occur, seek medical advice. Contact your GP during working hours, call 111 for guidance, or dial 999 in emergencies.

Viral rashes manifest commonly in children, presenting as red spots symmetrically across the body, often accompanied by fever or cough. Seek medical attention if the rash is painful or accompanies other concerning symptoms.

Perform a glass test for meningitis rash, where the rash does not disappear upon pressing. Contact emergency services if a child’s rash leads to lethargy, dehydration, high fever, or persistent symptoms.

Coughs are prevalent with colds and may require medical attention if lasting more than three weeks—especially when associated with fever, breathing difficulties, or worsening at night. Consider visiting a GP for persistent or worsening coughs.

Avoid using steam for croup coughs, maintain a calm environment, keep the child upright, and consult a doctor for steroid medication. It’s not a concern if children haven’t experienced usual infections due to COVID precautions.

In my view, it poses an interesting question with time holding the answer. With only a year since the pandemic’s onset, children haven’t had sufficient time to develop full immunity. Therefore, as children return to school and resume interactions, a resurgence of illnesses spreading is possible.

As children age, their immune systems mature, enabling them to combat illnesses independently. Without social distancing or masks in school environments, illnesses are likely to spread as usual.

Regarding the flu vaccine, its impact on long-term immunity in children is significant. The annual administration addresses declining immunity and evolving flu virus variants. Research focuses on forecasting future virus strains to provide effective vaccines.

It’s plausible that children aged 12 and above may be prioritized for the COVID vaccine. Given the benefits of herd immunity and the milder impact of COVID on children, vaccination appears to be a logical step. Expert opinions guide vaccine distribution rather than personal perspectives.

Childhood illnesses are pivotal for fostering a robust immune system. Babies benefit from breastfeeding and vaccines, which transfer protective antibodies. Exposure to viruses in educational settings aids children in building immunity over time.

Common childhood illnesses like colds and coughs are prevalent, particularly during winter. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, underscoring the importance of managing symptoms at home based on parental intuition. High fevers, rashes, severe lethargy, or breathing difficulties necessitate medical attention.

Trust parental instincts while caring for sick children, especially during temperature monitoring. Febrile seizures may occur despite proper fever-reducing medication administration, highlighting the importance of vigilance. Regular temperature checks and prompt medical attention are crucial.

A child’s normal temperature is 36.4°C.

A temperature over 38°C is considered high, with over 37.5°C ranking as quite high for a child.

Elevated temperatures are common and often resolve without intervention.

The body raises temperature to combat infections.

Administer paracetamol or ibuprofen if the child is distressed.

Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperature.

Provide the child with fluids and watch for signs of dehydration.

For children under 3 months, consult a GP if the temperature exceeds 38°C.

For children 3-6 months old, seek medical advice if the temperature surpasses 39°C.

For other children, contact a GP if the fever persists or concerning signs are present.

Call 111 for guidance or 999 in an emergency.

Viral rashes are commonplace in children, characterized by symmetrical red spots.

If the rash causes discomfort or other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Perform the glass test to verify the rash.

If the child is unwell with a rash, seek medical help.

Guard against infections by keeping the child home if the cough is mild—seek assistance if it persists or causes distress.

For croup coughs, avoid steam, maintain tranquility, and seek medical advice for steroid treatment.

If children have safeguarded themselves from common infections due to COVID precautions, it should not be a cause for alarm.

In your opinion, should we be concerned if children are not experiencing the typical infections this winter after COVID precautions?

Dr. Samantha Wild:

The answer may unfold with time, as children may gradually build up immunity while reintegrating into school environments.

As children mature, their immune systems become more adept at fighting off illnesses.

Expect illnesses to circulate as usual as children interact in school settings.

Let’s delve into the flu vaccine. How does it impact my child’s long-term immune response?

Dr. Samantha Wild:

Annual flu shots are vital due to immune waning and the flu virus’s evolution.

Researchers aim to anticipate forthcoming flu strains to develop effective vaccines.

Given annually alongside COVID vaccinations, flu vaccines prove safe and beneficial.

Do you anticipate children receiving the COVID vaccine this year or next?

Dr. Samantha Wild:

There is a high likelihood, especially starting with children over 12 years old to achieve herd immunity.

Although children can transmit the virus, they might not experience severe symptoms, warranting their vaccination.

Rely on medical advice when necessary, and visit our Bupa website for additional information.