DC Child Accident & Safety Blog

The information and advocacy outfit KidsHealth has issued a list of the top five illnesses parents should look out for during the school year, and how to address them. They are:

• 1. Pinkeye: Also known as conjunctivitis, pinkeye is very contagious when caused by viruses or bacteria. To prevent spreading it, kids should wash their hands often with warm water and soap; not touch their eyes; and avoid sharing eye drops, makeup, pillowcases, washcloths, and towels.


• 2. Strep Throat: It spreads through close contact, unwashed hands and airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing. Anyone can get strep throat, but it’s most common in school-age kids and teens. To prevent the spread of it: keep a sick child’s eating utensils separate and wash them in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher; the child shouldn’t share food, drinks, napkins or towels; teach kids to sneeze or cough into a shirtsleeve, not their hands.


• 3. Head Lice: The critters are common among kids 3-12 (affecting girls more often than boys), but anyone can get this infection. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene and lice do not spread disease. To prevent the spread of lice, discourage sharing combs, brushes, hats and helmets.


• 4. Molluscum Contagiosum: This skin rash is common among kids 1-12, yet many parents are not familiar with molluscum contagiosum. It spreads easily, most commonly through skin-to-skin contact, but kids can get it by touching objects bearing the virus such as toys, clothing, towels and bedding. To prevents the spread of the virus, wash hands frequently with soap and warm water and avoid sharing towels, clothing or other personal items.


• 5. Walking Pneumonia: The leading type of pneumonia in school-age kids and young adults spreads through person-to-person contact or breathing in airborne particles from sneezing or coughing. Walking pneumonia usually develops gradually and can be successfully treated with antibiotics. To prevent the spread, encourage kids to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.