Infections are common childhood diseases. As your child’s immune system develops over the years, it’s critical to strengthen it with available vaccines and a balanced diet. These are the 10 most common infections in children and some measures to combat them.

The information in this article is to guide you however, you should go, call or contact the pediatrics area of your nearest clinic or with a family doctor to diagnose your child Very important! Facebook groups or friends are not secure or reliable, better go with a specialist.

1. Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils causes coughing, nasal congestion, high fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. This may be viral or bacterial, which will depend on whether or not your child requires antibiotics.

When recurrent, your doctor may recommend tonsil removal surgery, however, you’ll need to check with your pediatrician for the best option based on your child’s history.

2. Varicella

It is a contagious infection that you can avoid with its respective vaccine, which is given in two doses, is safe and will protect it without any doubt. Symptoms include fever, itching skin rash, fluid blisters, and general discomfort. In the case of this infection, the infection of newborn children and adolescents without immunization should be avoided.

3. Conjunctivitis

It is one of the most common infections in children to spread. This eye condition can occur when your eyes are touched with dirty hands or person-to-person. It causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, redness of the eye, and discomfort in the eyes.

To combat it, it is recommended to apply cold or warm compresses to the eyes, and clean their secretions with cotton. Treatment usually includes antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which your pediatrician will indicate based on your child’s history.

4. Gastroenteritis

Normally caused by Rotavirus

, causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, colic, and inappetence. Washing your hands and food thoroughly will prevent any contagion. If present, avoid drinking water of unknown origin.

Treatment includes solutions for rehydration, probiotics, and rest. Diarrhea and vomiting medications are provided only by prescription.

5. Skin infections

Whether viral as the contagious mollusc or bacterial, such as impetigo, skin infections are typical in children. They are usually caused by strep and staph. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic or antibiotic ointment. Try to keep the affected area clean and keep your child from scratching.

6. Flu

The flu is another of the most common childhood infections. It causes fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, nasal congestion, and general discomfort. In some cases also vomiting and diarrhea. Talk to your pediatrician about medications to give your child. It constantly tracks its evolution. If you lose your appetite, keep it hydrated, and if the fever doesn’t subside, you need to take it to the hospital.

7. Measles

Did you know that measles continues to cause more than 100 deaths a year, especially for children under five? According to the World Health Organization, Vaccine remains the best strategy to protect your child. This infection causes fever, dry cough, sore throat, swollen eyes, muscle pain, and red papules on the skin.

8. Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi is characterized by a dry cough at first, and then coughing with green or yellow mucus, fever, and shortness of breath. Antibiotic use will not always be indicated. Your child may require bronchodilators and inhalations. See your pediatrician right away if you notice symptoms.

9. Herpes

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection in children. It causes painful, red, bulging lesions around the mouth, known as canker sores. This infectious process lasts up to 14 days and some of the treatments are to place ice on the affected area, some antiseptic, as well as sunscreen.

10. Otitis

This infection causes inflammation of the middle ear and is typical in children under 3 years of age. Your doctor needs to examine your child’s ear and evaluate whether he or she requires antibiotics. Symptoms include ear and head pain, loss of balance, fever. If your child doesn’t speak yet, keep an eye out for ear pulls, frequent crying, loss of appetite, restlessness.

Whatever the source of these common infections (viruses or bacteria), it’s important to see your pediatrician and avoid your child’s self-medication.