COMMON DISEASES CHILDREN CAN CONTRACT AT SCHOOL

It is important for parents to be aware of the common diseases and health ailments that can be transmitted in a school setting and to take necessary precautions to protect their children's health. The flflu The flu is a viral infection that can cause fever, body aches, and fatigue. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

To reduce the risk of contracting the flu, it's recommended that your child gets a flu vaccine and covers their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The common cold The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and is characterised by a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. Like the flu, the common cold is spread through respiratory droplets.

To reduce the risk of contracting the common cold, practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with infected individuals. Strep throat Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and is characterised by a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. Antibiotics are usually required to treat it.

Most children can return to school and play within a few days with proper medical care and plenty of rest and fluids.

To prevent strep throat, teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze and not to share drinking cups or eating utensils with their classmates. Pink eye Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye and is characterised by redness, itching, and discharge.

Many of the bacteria and viruses that cause colds, ear infections, sinus infections and sore throats, can also cause infectious pinkeye.

Although generally not serious, if your child shows signs of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but others need treatment. Head lice While not an illness, head lice can be problematic and sometimes challenging to treat, resulting in days absent from school.

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and cause itching and sores. They are transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing hats, brushes, or other personal items.

It's important to note that having head lice isn't a sign of poor personal hygiene or an unclean living environment.