Health Services
COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT SCHOOL-AGED CHILD HEALTH
DISEASE |
SYMPTOMS / SIGNS |
INCUBATION |
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PERIOD |
Chickenpox ( Varicella )
Cold sores ( Herpes Simplex )
Common cold respiratory infections ( viral )
Fifth disease
Fever and skin rash that comes in crops . Rash begins on the chest , back , under arms , neck and face ; changes to blisters and then scabs .
Cold sores ( fever blisters ) appear on the lips and face , less often in the mouth . Sores usually crust and heal within a few days . May be confused with impetigo .
Runny nose , sneezing , chills , tiredness , fever , muscle aches , sore throat , cough , which may last 2 to 7 days .
Rarely any symptoms other than a rash (“ slapped cheek ”) that begins on cheeks ; later found on the backs of arms and legs . Rash is very fine , lacy , pink , and tends to come and go in sunlight or heat .
Usually 14 to 15 days ; can be as long as 3 weeks
2 to 14 days
Colds : 1 to 3 days . Other acute respiratory illness : up to 10 days
4 to 21 days
SCHOOL ACTION AND COMMENTS ON COMMUNICABILITY
Exclude from school until blisters have dried into scabs , usually about 6 days after the rash appears .
Shingles is caused by inactive varicella from your own previous case of chickenpox . Exposure to fluid from the blisters can cause chickenpox in another person . Exclusion for shingles is only necessary if the blisters can not be covered , in which case exclusion is until blisters are dried into scabs .
No exclusion necessary for mild oral herpes in children who are in control of their mouth secretions .
Exclude from school until child is without fever for 24 hours and is well enough to participate in normal , daily activities .
No exclusion necessary unless fever is present .
SOURCE OF INFECTION AND MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Virus spread by direct contact with the blister fluid or by droplets - from the nose and throat of an infected person during sneezing and coughing . Readily communicable . One attack usually confers immunity . DO NOT give aspirin as there is a risk of Reye Syndrome . Children on immunosuppressive drugs are at high risk .
Virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected persons , a majority of whom have no apparent infections .
Different viruses spread directly through coughing , sneezing , and explosive manner of speech in which droplets are cast ; indirectly through articles freshly soiled by discharges of infected person .
Human Parovirus B19 spread through contact with infected respiratory secretions ; good hand washing decreases transmission .
Influenza |
Sudden onset of fever , headache , muscle pain , generalized discomfort , cough and sore throat . |
1 to 4 days |
Exclude from school until temperature has been normal for 24 hours and child is well enough to participate in normal activities . |
Virus spreads directly through coughing , sneezing , and contact with nose or throat discharges of patient . |
Impetigo |
Blister-like sores that form an oozing , sticky , yellow crust and itching . |
Usually 1 to 10 days |
Exclude from school until child has been treated with antibiotics for at least a full 24 hours . Encourage good handwashing . Avoid close contact with other children . |
Bacteria spreads by direct contact with persons or articles freshly soiled with discharges from nose or throat of patient ; airborne transmission also occurs . Usually caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus . |
Infectious mononucleosis |
Fever , sore throat , tiredness and swollen glands , especially behind the neck . Sometimes there is a rash . Often children have no symptoms at all . |
4 to 6 weeks Exclude from school until the child is well enough to return to normal activities . |
Epstein-Barr virus spreads person to person through saliva ; spread can also occur by kissing or sharing items such as drinking cups , bottles or toys . |
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