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 of no fever | Fever common from bacterial infection | Usually very HIGH fever of 102-104 lasting 3-4 days or more |
| Headache | Often | Often | Usually occurs and an be severe |
|
General body aches & pains |
Rare or slight | Rare | Usually occurs and can be severe |
| Cough | Often | Not common | Usually occurs |
| Stuffy Nose | Very common | Rare | Sometimes |
| Fatigue & weakness | Mild | Mild | Extreme & can last two weeks |
| Diarrhea & 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.