Common childhood illnesses are usually very contagious! This useful infographic from The Pharmacy magazine November 2021 shows some of the incubation periods (how long it takes to fall ill after exposure to someone with the illness) and also information on how long a child is infectious to others. This is useful in planning return to school and socialising after illness!
This is a most pertinent topic to all of us parents of children of different ages! Under 24 months ⏹ From a young age, children are bombarded with…
So what is “normal” in terms of infections in toddlers and children? The number of infections a baby has in the first few years is determined to an extent by exposure to infections, for example whether they are in creche or at home, whether they have older siblings or not. As a guide: • Babies > 6 months and toddlers: have on average 6-10 minor illnesses a year (colds, fevers, gastro-enteritis) • Children of school going age: have on average 5-6 minor illnesses a year • Teenagers and adults: have on average 4 “colds”/ minor illnesses per year How do children present when they are ill with a minor virus? Each child seems to develop their characteristic “pattern” when ill; in my observation forming 3 main groups: 1. The fever maker (always tends to get a high fever at the beginning of a new illness) 2. The snot machine (produces…
Here are some tips on coughs and colds, as well as tummy bugs and rashes; and when you should consider seeking medical attention.