Children under 12-14 years of age have a rather weak and not yet fully formed immunity, and therefore are susceptible to many infectious diseases. The most common infections are measles, chickenpox, rubella, or mumps.
Measles in childhood
Measles is a viral infectious disease usually transmitted by airborne droplets. The incubation period of this disease lasts 8-15 days. At the same time, typical and atypical measles are distinguished by nature. The typical one has three periods:
- premonitory;
- rashes;
- pigmentation.
During the prodromal period, the patient has typical symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, cough, and a fever of 38 degrees or higher. After 3-5 days, the disease enters the period of a rash: a small rash appears all over the body, which can itch a lot, and the temperature rises even higher. With a successful outcome over the next 7-10 days, the disease gradually disappears, as evidenced by the transformation of the rash into brownish pigmentation. In the future, the spots will fade and eventually disappear completely.
If your child shows signs of measles, you should call a doctor at home as soon as possible. The patient is provided with bed rest with isolation from others. When in contact with a child, adults must wear a protective bandage. The doctor prescribes special antiviral and immunomodulating drugs, which most often contribute to a normal and rapid recovery.
In the event that measles is atypical, that is, the patient feels extremely bad, and the rash that appears does not undergo pigmentation, the child is urgently hospitalized. In rare cases, the disease leads to complications such as bronchopneumonia, otitis media and some others. To avoid re-infection, children are given a special measles vaccine.
Chickenpox in children
Chickenpox is another viral disease transmitted exclusively by airborne droplets. Usually children under 12 years old suffer from it, but the disease can be contracted at a much older age, which, due to some features of the infection, can negatively affect the body. That is why the treatment of adolescents and adults with chickenpox is carried out with compulsory hospitalization.
In total, there are five stages of chickenpox with characteristics characteristic of each of them. The first corresponds to the moment of infection and the subsequent incubation period of the development of the virus in the body. At the second stage, a person shows signs such as:
- a sharp increase in body temperature;
- the onset of weakness in the limbs;
- pain in the head and back.
In the third stage, the virus attacks the immune system, and a profuse rash appears on the body, which initially does not manifest itself in any way. However, in the fourth stage, the rash becomes very inflamed and begins to itch. Further, it all depends on the characteristics of the immune system, but usually within 7-14 days the disease gradually disappears without the need for medical intervention.
With a weakened immunity, the disease can progress to the fifth stage, when the rash reoccurs in areas with the affected nervous system. The person has a fever, and at this stage, medical attention may be required. In such cases, the pediatrician prescribes:
- antihistamines to relieve itching;
- antipyretic drugs to lower fever;
- antiseptic solutions for skin disinfection.
In most cases, the prognosis is positive, and the disease completely recedes. In the future, strong immunity is developed against it, and the person will never get chickenpox again.
Rubella and its features
Rubella is another common childhood infectious disease. Most often, it affects children under 10 years old, transmitted both through the air and through contact with common household items or toys. Rubella begins to manifest itself with swollen lymph nodes in the back of the head and neck. The patient also experiences symptoms of a cold in the form of a sore throat, runny nose, and cough. Symptoms may be complemented by fever, watery eyes, and itchy eyes.
Gradually, a bright red rash appears on the body in the form of small specks of a round or oval shape. Usually, the rash begins to appear from the head and neck, later moving to the back, abdomen and limbs. At the same time, a rash with rubella does not occur on the palms and feet. The rash causes mild itching, but most often it goes away quickly, within 2-3 days.
With strong immunity, the body copes with the disease on its own. It is important to drink more fluids and stay in bed. It is also necessary to show the child to the doctor. In some cases, antipyretic and antiviral drugs are prescribed. It is worth remembering to minimize contact with the child of others.
Mumps in children
In childhood, mumps or mumps is very common. It is transmitted by airborne droplets upon contact with a carrier of the virus. It is usually seasonal in nature and often manifests itself in early spring. In this case, boys are more likely to be infected. The disease begins with a sharp and significant increase in temperature up to 38-39 degrees. The child complains of headache, weakness and seizures.
Mumps is easily identified by inflammation of the salivary glands in the ears. When you touch these areas with your fingers, severe pain occurs. In addition to the appearance of a tumor in the lateral part of the head, patients complain of tinnitus. Gradually, the glands swell more and more, and the face begins to resemble a pear-shaped shape, for which the disease got its popular name.
During the illness, the child is placed in a separate room. Antipyretic drugs are used to lower the temperature, as well as antihistamines, which prevent intoxication. A safe diet based on dairy and plant foods is prescribed, as well as an abundant drink. Gradually, the body heals, and immunity is developed against the mumps for the rest of its life.
As with other infectious diseases, special vaccinations are used to prevent mumps, which can be done already in infancy. It is necessary to consult a pediatrician in advance, having received a list of necessary vaccinations and a schedule for their passage. The vaccine is a strain of the virus in an amount that is safe for the body, which will be enough to develop strong immunity.
