Common Childhood Illnesses: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Timely Care

FL Pediatricians Explain Common Childhood Illnesses

Melbourne, West Melbourne, FL, and Merritt Island, FL, are home to the Florida Pediatrics Group, who advocate for sick visits. Four astonishing, experienced, licensed pediatric medical doctors and their highly skilled professional staff direct our three offices.

Our doctors want to explain three common childhood illnesses, how to recognize symptoms, and when to seek medical care. Try to instill good hygiene habits in your child.  

Three Common Childhood Illnesses

The Florida Pediatrics Group in Melbourne, West Melbourne, FL, and Merritt Island, FL, explain when to schedule sick visits for three common childhood illnesses. 

Common Cold

• Mimics other illnesses 
• Viral or bacterial from over 200 sources and spread from person to person through the air. 

Symptoms 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny eyes and nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Mild fatigue
• Low-grade fever, chills
• Clear, green, yellow mucus from throat and nose 
• It lasts up to several days

Treatment

• Fluids
• Rest
• NSAIDs
• A few days off school
• See our doctor if symptoms worsen 

Flu

The flu types A, B, and C are highly contagious; respiratory, viral infections lasting less than a week in children unless they lead to a lower respiratory infection or pneumonia. This virus passes through a child coughing and sneezing. The virus lives on surfaces children touch, including eating utensils and putting fingers in mouths. Your child can get the flu up to 24 hours before symptoms show, lasting five to seven days. We can test for the flu.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Cough
• Body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Worsening cough
• Extreme fatigue
• Runny nose
• Sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Treatment

• Rest
• Fluids
• NSAIDs
• Cough suppressants
• Possible antibiotics
• Possible hospital admission for worsening symptoms

It is wise to come and see us so we can test for the flu by swabbing the nose or throat. Treatment is drinking fluids, rest, NSAIDs, cough medicine, and sometimes an antibiotic if this viral infection becomes a respiratory infection. 

Chickenpox

This viral illness spreads through coughing and sneezing. It resembles a cold or the flu in its early stages. We recommend that your child be vaccinated with two doses to help protect them from this disease that can leave scarring. 

Symptoms 

• Fatigue
• An itchy rash on the body
• Decreased appetite
• Mild fever
• NSAIDs

Treatment

• Avoid itching blisters
• Anti-itch medication
• Fluids
• Rest
• Glove hands to avoid scratching blisters

Taking Care of Florida's Children With Compassion and Love

If you seek top-quality, skilled, experienced pediatricians in the communities we serve, please give us a call in Melbourne, West Melbourne, FL, and Merritt Island, FL, at our Melbourne office, (321) 752-5210, our West Melbourne office, (321) 752-5210, or Merritt Island office, (321) 453-1717 today. We schedule sick visits on the same day.