2.1 The signs and symptoms of common childhood illness
For information and a list, the following is taken from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions Illness | Symptoms | Causes | Incubation period | Chicken poxChickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. | Rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off.It takes seven to 21 days for the symptoms to show after you have come into contact with the virus. This is called the ‘incubation period’. | It's a very contagious infection.The chickenpox virus is spread in the same ways as colds as flu. | A child with chickenpox is most infectious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over. This usually takes five to six days from the start of the rash.Contact your GP if you are pregnant or child is less than four weeks old. | MumpsMumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children. | Usually recognised by the painful swellings located at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands), giving a person with mumps a distinctive "hamster face" appearance. Other symptoms include headache, joint pain and a high temperature. | ‘Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to a family of viruses known as paramyxoviruses. Paramyxoviruses are a common source of infection, particularly in children’Taken from http://www.nhs.uk/ConditionsMumps is an airborne virus that is easily spread in the same way as colds and flu | There are currently no anti-viral medications that can be used to treat mumps. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms until your body’s immune system manages to fight off the infection.Lots of fluids, bed rest and over the counter painkillers are advised | Slapped cheek syndrome Slapped cheek syndrome (also known as “fifth disease”) is a type of viral infection that is