Common childhood illnesses

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash.

Most cases occur in children before they are ten years of age. Once a person has had the chickenpox infection, it is unlikely he or she will get it again, as it confers lifelong immunity.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by measles virus and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Measles typically begins with:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It's also called German measles or three-day measles. Aside from the rash, kids with German measles usually have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. The infection can spread from child to child through contact with droplets from an infected kid's sneeze or cough.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many children, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." It spreads very easily.

Babies under 6 months old have increased chances of problems including:

• dehydration
• breathing difficulties
• pneumonia
• fits (seizures)

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects saliva-producing (salivary) glands that are located near your ears.

It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

Serious and potentially lethal complications include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or heart muscle (myocarditis). The disease is spread from person to person and is as contagious as the flu (influenza).

Other common childhood illnesses include allergies, skin problems, eye conditions, neurological issues and gastrointestinal conditions. It’s important to understand which conditions affect certain age groups as well as the degree of severity.