The teething problems

Every parent experiences a sick child at some point. The nights can be long and tiring. Children’s resistance is generally not yet well developed and this makes children susceptible to viruses and bacteria. If your child goes to playgroup, childcare or kindergarten, your child is at greater risk. In addition to normal illnesses such as a cold or flu, there are also specific childhood diseases such as chickenpox, rubella, measles and the fifth and sixth diseases. Most children experience these childhood diseases and then they become immune to them. In the past, some of these diseases were very dangerous and caused a large number of deaths.

1 Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus. After infection, it takes 13 to 18 days for the first symptoms to appear. The varicella zoster virus is a contagious virus. The virus can spread from the second day before the rash appears until all the blisters have a scab. It takes a long time before the first symptoms of the disease appear and therefore there is little that can be done to prevent infection. Coughing, sneezing or talking releases the varicella zoster virus into the air and can infect someone else with chickenpox. Chickenpox can also infect someone through direct contact with fluid from the blisters. It is possible to be vaccinated against chickenpox, but in the Netherlands this is not included in the national vaccination program. Pregnant women are more at risk of serious complications from an infection. The further the pregnancy has progressed, the greater the risk of complications. Chickenpox usually starts with a mild fever and children then become hangry. After one to two days, small red bumps appear on the head and torso. In addition to the red bumps and the blisters that arise afterwards, chickenpox is also characterized by itching. In children, attempts should be made to avoid scratching as much as possible because this can cause small scars. Calamine lotion or menthol powder can be used against itching.

2 Red dog

Rubella is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. After infection with rubella, it takes two to three weeks before symptoms appear. Approximately half of the children do not develop any symptoms. Rubella is contagious from 10 days before the spots appear until 7 days after they disappear. Coughing, sneezing or talking releases rubella into the air and can infect someone else. Rubella starts just like a cold where the glands behind the ears and in the neck can become swollen. Body temperature may increase. After about a day, red spots appear on the face and behind the ears. In a short time the rash spreads over the entire body. It takes a few days for the rash to disappear, but the glands sometimes remain swollen for several weeks. In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against rubella. Rubella can cause abnormalities in the unborn child in pregnant women who have not had rubella in the past.
 

3 Fifth disease

Fifth disease mainly occurs in children aged four to 10 years and usually in the spring or early summer. Fifth disease is caused by infection with the Parvo B19 virus. Fifth disease is a mildly contagious virus that is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or talking. The symptoms of fifth disease are red cheeks with red spots. The rash spreads from the torso to the arms, legs and buttocks. At some point the spots become large spots because they merge. In addition, fifth disease can be accompanied by fever and itching. The spots disappear after about 10 days. For pregnant women, fifth disease increases the risk of miscarriage.

4 Sixth disease

Sixth disease mainly occurs in children between the ages of 6 months and 2.5 years. The sixth disease is caused by the herpes virus type 6. The sixth disease is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or talking. After infection, it may take one to two weeks before your child becomes ill. In the sixth disease, the child suddenly develops a high fever with temperatures between 39.0 and 40.5 °C and the glands in the neck and behind the ears are sometimes swollen. After three to five days, the fever subsides and small red spots appear on the face, neck and torso. The red spots in sixth disease are not itchy.

5 Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. By breathing, coughing or talking, the measles virus becomes airborne and can infect someone else. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases there is. After being infected with measles, it takes about 10 days for your child to become ill. Measles is already contagious four days before the first symptoms appear. Measles starts with a cold and complaints such as red eyes, fever and coughing. Measles can also be recognized by the appearance of white spots on the inside of the cheeks. After a few days, red spots begin to appear and spread over the entire body. Itching may also occur. In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against measles.

6 Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by infection with the streptococci bacteria. By breathing, coughing or talking, the bacteria become airborne and can infect someone else. After being infected with scarlet fever, it takes 2 to 7 days before your child becomes ill. Scarlet fever is contagious from the first symptoms until the skin peels. Scarlet fever starts with high fever, vomiting, headache and sore throat. After this, red spots usually appear on the body. There are no spots near the nose or mouth. The skin becomes rough and feels like sandpaper. Red dots appear on the tongue and after a few days the skin starts to peel. Scarlet fever goes away on its own and usually no medication is given for it. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics.

7 Mumps

Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. By breathing, coughing or talking, the mumps virus becomes airborne and can infect someone else. After being infected with mumps, it takes 12 to 25 days for your child to become ill. The virus is contagious from 2 days before the first symptoms of the disease until 5 days after the start of the swelling. Mumps can be mild and your child may not notice the disease. Mumps starts with fever and a painful swollen cheek. This is caused by inflammation of the salivary gland. In addition, your child may also suffer from earache. Meningitis can occur in young children. In very rare cases, mumps can lead to testicular inflammation, which can reduce fertility.

8 Whooping cough

Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. After infection with whooping cough, it can take 7 to 10 days for the first symptoms to appear. It can then take up to 2 weeks before the whooping cough becomes more severe. By breathing, coughing or talking, the bacteria become airborne and can infect someone else. Whooping cough is most contagious at the beginning of the disease, but it can infect someone for about 6 weeks afterwards. Whooping cough can start with fever, coughing fits and a cold. After 2 weeks, the coughing fits become more intense and your child may experience shortness of breath and vomiting. Whooping cough goes away on its own after 2 to 4 months.

9 Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious disease caused by the coxsackie or enterovirus. By breathing, coughing or talking, the virus becomes airborne and can infect someone else. The virus can also be transmitted through the fluid from the blisters and through the feces. Just before the first symptoms start, the hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious until a few weeks after a person has recovered. After being infected with hand, foot and mouth disease, it can take 3 to 6 days before your child becomes ill. The disease usually progresses with no or mild symptoms. The hand, foot and mouth disease may start with a mild fever, vomiting, nausea and stomach and sore throat. If there are complaints, your child will develop small blisters in the mouth, followed by blisters on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The blisters are often painful and start as red spots.

In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against a number of diseases through the National Vaccination Program.