Child Illness
Children may fall victim to a variety of different illnesses whilst at home or at nursery so here is some information to assist you when identifying these.
Once Upon A Time values each child’s health and we have a duty to protect ourselves and children from infection when children are at nursery. Children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and practice good hygiene and toys and equipment are regularly sterilised and cleaned. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, some children will pick up illnesses, many of which are contagious even before they display symptoms. Because of this we enforce strict exclusion periods for children suffering from certain illnesses or symptoms to reduce risk of cross-infection within the nursery, both towards other children and our parents and employees.
We have provided the above links with information about the various illnesses children can incur during their time at nursery. We have up to date information on symptoms and treatments with recommendations if and when you should consult your doctor.
Please note that children who are taking antibiotics cannot attend nursery for the first 24 hours of treatment.
Chickenpox
Introduction
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. Some children have only a few spots, but other children can have spots that cover their entire body. These are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly, and on the arms and legs. Chickenpox spreads quickly and easily from someone who is infected.
Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that over 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they’ve had it before. Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.
Symptoms
Chickenpox spots normally appear in clusters and tend to be:
– behind the ears
– on the face
– over the scalp
– on the chest and belly
– on the arms and legs
However, the spots can be anywhere on the body, even inside the ears and mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and inside the nappy area.
Although the rash starts as small, itchy red spots, these develop a blister on top and become intensely itchy after about 12-14 hours.
After a day or two, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and they begin to dry out and crust over.
After 1 to 2 weeks, the crusting skin will fall off naturally.
New spots can keep appearing in waves for 3 to 5 days after the rash begins. Therefore, different clusters of spots may be at different stages of blistering or drying out.
Exclusion period
Until spots have crusted over (minimum of five days)
Chickenpox
Introduction
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. Some children have only a few spots, but other children can have spots that cover their entire body. These are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly, and on the arms and legs. Chickenpox spreads quickly and easily from someone who is infected.
Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that over 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they’ve had it before. Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.
Symptoms
Chickenpox spots normally appear in clusters and tend to be:
– behind the ears
– on the face
– over the scalp
– on the chest and belly
– on the arms and legs
However, the spots can be anywhere on the body, even inside the ears and mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and inside the nappy area.
Although the rash starts as small, itchy red spots, these develop a blister on top and become intensely itchy after about 12-14 hours.
After a day or two, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and they begin to dry out and crust over.
After 1 to 2 weeks, the crusting skin will fall off naturally.
New spots can keep appearing in waves for 3 to 5 days after the rash begins. Therefore, different clusters of spots may be at different stages of blistering or drying out.
Exclusion period
Until spots have crusted over (minimum of five days)
Conjunctivitis
Introduction
Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye (the conjunctiva). People often refer to conjunctivitis as red eye. Other symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchiness and watering of the eyes, and sometimes a sticky coating on the eyelashes (if it’s caused by an allergy). Conjunctivitis can affect one eye at first, but usually affects both eyes after a few hours.
The conjunctiva can become inflamed as a result of:
– a bacterial or viral infection – this is known as infective conjunctivitis
– an allergic reaction to a substance such as pollen or dust mites – this is known as allergic conjunctivitis
– the eye coming into contact with things that can irritate the conjunctiva, such as shampoo or chlorinated water, or a loose eyelash rubbing against the eye – this is
– known as irritant conjunctivitis
Symptoms
The symptoms of conjunctivitis will depend on what’s causing the condition.
However, the two main symptoms are usually:
– eye redness – as a result of the inflammation and widening of the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the thin layer of cells covering the front of the eyes)
– a discharge – the conjunctiva contains thousands of cells that produce mucus and tiny glands that produce tears – inflammation causes the glands to become
– overactive, so that they produce more water and mucus
Only one eye tends to be affected at first, but symptoms usually affect both eyes within a few hours.
Exclusion period
Once medication has been prescribed and given for at least 24 hours. Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Hand, Foot & Mouth
Introduction
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common infection that causes mouth ulcers and spots on the hands and feet. It’s most common in young children – particularly those under 10 – but can affect older children and adults as well. Hand, foot and mouth disease can be unpleasant, but it will usually clear up by itself within 7 to 10 days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home. The infection is not related to foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease usually develop between three and five days after being exposed to the infection.
The first symptoms may include:
a high temperature (fever), usually around 38-39C (100.4-102.2F)
a general sense of feeling unwell
loss of appetite
coughing
abdominal (tummy) pain
a sore throat and mouth
Mouth Ulcers
After one or two days, red spots appear on the tongue and inside the mouth.##
Spots & Blisters
Soon after the mouth ulcers appear, you’ll probably notice a rash made up of small, raised red spots on the skin.
If you have hand, foot and mouth disease, the best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better. There’s no cure for it, so you have to let it run its course.
You should keep your child away from nursery or school until they’re feeling better. Adults with the condition should stay away from work until they’re feeling better.
When to get medical advice
You don’t usually need medical attention if you think you or your child has hand, foot and mouth disease. The infection will usually pass in 7 to 10 days, and there isn’t much your doctor can do.
You should also get medical advice if:
your child is unable or unwilling to drink any fluids
your child has signs of dehydration, such as unresponsiveness, passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, or cold hands and feet
your child develops fits (seizures), confusion, weakness or a loss of consciousness
your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38C (101F) or above, or is between three and six months old and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or above
the skin becomes very painful, red, swollen and hot, or there’s a discharge of pus
the symptoms are getting worse or haven’t improved after 7 to 10 days
Exclusion period
Until symptoms have subsided.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Impetigo
Introduction
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It’s not usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment or within a few weeks without treatment.
Impetigo is the most common skin infection in young children in the UK, but it can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms
There are two types of impetigo:
non-bullous impetigo – the most common type
bullous impetigo
The symptoms of both types are described below.
Non-bullous impetigo
The symptoms of non-bullous impetigo begin with the appearance of red sores – usually around the nose and mouth but other areas of the face and the limbs can also be affected. The sores quickly burst leaving behind thick, golden crusts typically around 2cm across. The appearance of these crusts is sometimes likened to cornflakes stuck to the skin. After the crusts dry, they leave a red mark that usually fades without scarring. The time it takes for the redness to disappear can vary between a few days and a few weeks. The sores aren’t painful, but they may be itchy. It’s important not to touch or scratch the sores because this can spread the infection to other parts of the body, and to other people. Other symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever) and swollen glands, are rare but can occur in more severe cases.
Bullous impetigo
The symptoms of bullous impetigo begin with the appearance of fluid-filled blisters (bullae) which usually occur on the central part of the body between the waist and neck, or on the arms and legs. The blisters are usually about 1-2cm across. The blisters may quickly spread, before bursting after several days to leave a yellow crust that usually heals without leaving any scarring. The blisters may be painful and the area of skin surrounding them may be itchy. As with non-bullous impetigo, it’s important not to touch or scratch the affected areas of the skin. Symptoms of fever and swollen glands are more common in cases of bullous impetigo.
Exclusion period
Until legions are crusted or healed.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Measles
Introduction
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It’s now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination.
Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before, although it’s most common in young children.
The infection usually clears in around 7 to 10 days.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected. These can include:
cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
Exclusion period
At least nine days after onset of rash and the child feel well.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Mumps
Introduction
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children before the introduction of the MMR vaccine. It’s most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands), giving a person with mumps a distinctive “hamster face” appearance. Other symptoms of mumps include headaches, joint pain and a high temperature, which may develop a few days before the swelling of the parotid glands.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mumps can develop between 15 and 24 days after being infected. Swelling of the glands is the most common symptom of mumps and are located on either side of the face, just below the ears. usually both glands are affected but in some cases only one gland may be affected. The swelling also causes additional symptoms such as a feeling of pain in the swollen glands and pain on swallowing.
Other symptoms
May include headaches, joint pain, nausea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, a high temperature or fatigue. Exclusion period Eight days from when swelling begins.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Sickness & Diarrhoea
Introduction
Diarrhoea is passing looser or more frequent stools than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. However, it can be distressing and unpleasant until it passes, which normally takes a few days to a week.
What causes diarrhoea?
There are many different causes of diarrhoea, but a bowel infection (gastroenteritis) is a common cause in both adults and children.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by:
a virus – such as norovirus or rotavirus
bacteria – such as campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are often picked up from contaminated food
a parasite – such as the parasite that causes giardiasis, which is spread in contaminated water
These infections can sometimes be caught during travel abroad, particularly to areas with poor standards of public hygiene. This is known as travellers’ diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can also be the result of anxiety, a food allergy, medication, or a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Symptoms
In addition to diarrhoea and vomiting, children affected by gastroenteritis may also have stomach cramps, headaches, aching arms and legs or high temperatures. Symptoms may last as little as 24 hours or as much as seven days. Most people make a full recovery in 2-3 days.
Exclusion period
48 hours after last symptoms.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.
Slapped Cheek
Introduction
Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection that’s most common in children, although it can affect people of any age. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. Although the rash can look alarming, slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up by itself in one to three weeks. Once you’ve had the infection, you’re usually immune to it for life. However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious for some people. If you’re pregnant, have a blood disorder or a weakened immune system and have been exposed to the virus, you should get medical advice.
Symptoms
Your child may have a high temperature, sore throat or headache to begin with. They are most contagious at this point. Up to seven days later they will develop a bright red rash on both cheeks. Finally, the rash will spread to your child’s chest, stomach, arms & thighs. This will usually happen up to four days after the rash on their cheeks.
Exclusion period
Until the rash has faded.
Read more about this illness at the NHS website.