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. |
15 |
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