WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES

 

Cases of “colds”, viruses, and gastrointestinal illness (vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea) are common childhood illnesses.  Bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), strep throat, sinus or ear infections and pneumonia are occasionally reported as well.  This chart offers practical guidelines for recognizing the differences between some illnesses.  General healthcare information should not be used as a substitute or in place of contacting your child’s healthcare provider.

 

 

Symptoms

Common Cold

Strep Throat

Influenza

Fever

Low grade fever or no fever

Fever common from

bacterial infection

Usually very HIGH fever of 102-104 – lasts 3-4 days or more

 

Headache

Often

Often

Usually occurs and can be severe

 

General body aches and pains

Rare or slight

Rare

Usually occurs and can be severe

 

Cough

Often

Not common

Usually occurs

 

Stuffy nose

Very common

Rare

Sometimes

 

Fatigue and weakness

Mild

Mild

Extreme and can last 2 weeks

 

Diarrhea and vomiting

No

No

Occasionally in children

 

Loss of appetite

Rare or mild

Often due to pain from swallowing

Usually due to multiple symptoms

 

Will antibiotics help?

No

Yes – always prescribed and should be completely finished

No

 

It is best to consult with your pediatrician if any of the following applies:

 

  • Fever over 101.5
  • Onset of a sore throat is rapid, severe and persists for more than 2 days
  • A rash that looks like sand paper or “goose bumps” with a sore throat
  • Persistent ear pain with fever
  • Pus or greenish-yellow discharge from the nasal sinuses or in the back of the throat
  • Thick yellowish-white drainage from the eyes  (can prevent the eyes from opening)
  • Persistent loss of appetite with influenza symptoms
  • Persistent  severe cough with pain in the chest area and difficult breathing

 

Please refer to the West Irondequoit Central School District Minimum School Exclusion Policy.  Children who have been ill with a fever should remain at home for 24 hours after the fever has subsided.  Letters reporting multiple illnesses in your child's classroom may at times be sent home.  A general informational letter is sent home for illnesses that are reportable to the Monroe County Health Department.

 

Please feel free to contact your school Health Office with any questions.