3 Common Childhood Illnesses and How to Treat Them

Jun 27, 2018 8:34:30 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Family Medicine

Since kids are continuously building up their immune system, they tend to get sick more often than adults. 

Wondering what to be on the lookout for? Here are three of the most common childhood illnesses we see at Voyage Healthcare. Plus, our recommendations for caring for your sick child, and when it’s time to take them in for medical attention.

Portrait of ill child lying in hospital bed

Remember, if you are worried about your child’s health, always reach out to your medical provider. They’ll help you determine the best path of care.

1. The Common Cold

Does your child have a runny nose, cough, or sneezing fits? Are they complaining about being tired?

They may be suffering from the common cold.

For home remedies, try one of these five cold-fighting foods.  

Wondering if you should take your child into the clinic? They may need medical attention if they develop a bad cough, a fever (over 101°F for babies 3-6 months old, and over 103°F for children over six months), or a cold that won’t go away. See this guide for more information. 

2. The Flu 

Flu symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, cough, headache, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What’s the difference between cold and flu symptoms? According to the CDC, cold symptoms are usually milder, and more likely to include a runny or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more likely to be severe, and more likely to include a fever.

In many cases, keeping your child home from school or daycare, letting them rest, giving them fluids, and using fever-reducing medications can be enough to spur recovery.

When should your child see a medical provider? Take them in if their flu symptoms disappear and return, if they run a fever for multiple days, or if they experience more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing.

Remember, the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent this illness! 

3. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Also called the stomach flu, gastroenteritis really isn't the flu at all.

There are different causes for the stomach flu, including different viruses and bacteria.

But regardless of the cause, the stomach flu usually causes unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, or chills.

What can you do to ease your child’s discomfort? The most important thing you can do is to help them stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated can be challenging on an upset stomach. To avoid further irritation, try clear liquids like water. If your child is able to keep clear liquids down, try adding other fluids like broth, sports drinks, or chamomile tea. These will help your child regain the fluids and electrolytes they’ve lost during their illness.

Once your child can keep liquids down, you can slowly re-introduce solid food into their diet. Try starting with the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Remember, most people recover from the stomach flu without medical attention. However, you should take your child in if flu symptoms go away and come back, vomiting is severe and prolonged, skin color changes, or they’re having trouble breathing. For more information, check out this CDC guide to the flu, designed especially for parents.

Does Your Sick Child Need Medical Attention?

Kids get sick a lot, and not every sniffle requires a visit to the doctor.

However, make sure to take kids in if they have a fever for more than three days, or if the thermometer reads over 101°F for children 3-6 months, or over 103°F for children above six months. Also seek medical attention if your child has blood in their vomit or stool, severe and persistent pain, eye discharge causing difficulty opening the eyes, a stiff neck, or other severe symptoms. Questions about your child's symptoms? Ask your provider. 

Do you have a sick child? Our family medicine providers see patients at our Maple Grove, Osseo, and Plymouth locations. Call (763) 587-7999 to schedule an appointment, or use our online appointment request form!

Request an Appointment

Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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