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Diseases in Children

Children get diseases just like adults. They come in contact with all sorts of illnesses and diseases in school and on the playground. Whatever the reason for infection, there are many diseases common, but not exclusive to children.

  1. Bacterial Meningitis

    • Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal chord and brain. The Hib vaccination, now given to children, protects against the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b.

    Chicken Pox

    • Commonly caught at a young age, chicken pox produces a fever and an itchy, blistery rash all over the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now a vaccine for chicken pox protects most children from it.

    Fifth Disease

    • Fifth disease occurs most often in children, according to the CDC. Often children have cold like symptoms, a red facial rash and a mild fever.

    Whooping cough

    • When whooping cough occurs in infants, it can turn very serious, says the CDC. Symptoms resemble the common cold, but also include a nagging, persistent cough.

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

    • RSV holds first place for the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under age one, says the CDC. It is a viral infection which affects the breathing passages and lungs.

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