Especially with the weather changing in the UAE from mild winter into the onset of summer these are the seven most common bugs or illnesses kids can pick up in the UAE.
According to experienced pediatricians these are the common illness and the course of action parents should take to keep their children safe and healthy.
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Type of illness Chicken Pox
Symptoms   Your child will have a fever and feel generally unwell, with a characteristic rash developing within 24 hours. The rash will start on the torso and spread over the next seven to 10 days to head, arms, and legs. The rash will start as red papules but each spot will eventually crust over.
Period it will last 7 to 10 days
Course of Action Paracetamol for fever and Anti-histamine for congestion.
 If it is mild, there is no need to visit the doctor.
Urgent help If the child develops a high fever. -
Type of illness  Gastroenteritis
Symptoms Diarrhea at least three times in 24 hours. With severe infection, blood and mucus may appear in the stools. The child might also vomit, have stomach cramps, and a high temperature or headache.
Period it will last   5 to 7 days
Course of Action:Â Oral rehydration solution. If the child is vomiting too, they may need IV Fluids. If there is blood or mucus in the stool, they may need an antibiotic. Visit doctor for evaluation and management.
Urgent help If your child is less than six months old. Also consult a doctor if your child develops a high temperature, is dehydrated or drowsy, or if there is blood in stool or abdominal pain. -
Type of illness  Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms When your child comes into contact with the allergen, they will have an itchy nose, mouth,eyes, throat or skin. They may have a runny nose and sneezing, along with watery eyes. Later, the child may develop a stuffy nose, clogged ears, sore throat, and dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Period it will last The child will always have the allergy, but the severity depends on the allergen.
Course of action A nasal wash with saline can help with mild symptoms. Other treatments that can help include Antihistamines, Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays, Decongestants, or even Allergy Shots. Visit doctor for evaluation and management.
Urgent help  If your child develops high fever with severe headache and ear pain. -
Type of illness  Common Cold
Symptoms Your child will have a sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Period it will last   1 to 2 weeks
Course of Action Time cures all. Medicine won’t cure the common cold but can be used to relieve such symptoms as muscle aches, headache and fever. There is no need for antibiotics. No need to visit doctor.
Urgent help  If you notice any breathing difficulty, coughing, high fever, or swollen glands. -
Type of illness  Bronchial Asthma
Symptoms If your child has asthma, he or she will suffer from frequent coughing spells (often at play, at night, or when laughing or crying), less energy during play, rapid breathing (intermittently), a whistling sound in the chest, and feelings of weakness or tiredness.
Period it will last? For life, but as a child grows the symptoms will improve.
Course of action You should avoid avoid triggers (for example, smoke or dust). Medication will be prescribed, including a short acting bronchodilator (for example, salbutamol), corticosteroid, long acting bronchodilator or leukotriene inhibitor. Visit doctor for diagnosis and management
Urgent help If you notice your child has a blue face, breathing difficulties, or continuous coughing. -
Type of illness    Reseola
Symptoms Your child will have a sudden onset of high fever that lasts 3-5 days, possibly also with irritability, swollen glands, runny nose, puffy eyelids, and diarrhea. Within 12-24 hours of the fever breaking, a rash appears. Visit doctor for evaluation and treatment
Period it last? Around 7 days
Course of Action: Â Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and tepid sponges for high fever.
Urgent help If your child develops a high fever or convulsions. -
Type of illness    Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Symptoms The child may feel tired, have a sore throat, or have a fever. A few days later, sores or blisters appear in or on the mouth and the hands, feet and sometimes the buttocks. In some cases, a skin rash may appear before blisters do. Visit doctor for evaluation
Period it will last? Around seven days
Course of action  Paracetamol for pain and fever. If your child has not eaten for a long time, admission of IV may be needed.
Urgent help If your child has a high fever, is not eating or is unable to swallow.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines for parents to follow. Please do not take this as the sole expert advice as children respond differently to different illness. The website bears no responsibility for information provided and consequences resulting from readers following the advice.
