Childhood illness may not affect your family until your child starts child care or school. After that, it may seem like he or she is sick all the time. This pattern is normal as your child builds his or her immune system. Resistance to infection develops only after exposure to a multitude of germs.

"The most important thing your child can do to prevent illness is to wash hands thoroughly and frequently," says Timothy S. Yeh, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water for 15 seconds — as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also can keep hands clean and they come in disposable hand wipes or in gel form."

The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center provides a lineup of the top five infectious illnesses in children.

1. Colds The most common childhood illnesses are upper respiratory infections — colds and other viral ailments that affect the throat, nose and sinuses. While adults average two to four colds a year, children typically have six to 10. Children also tend to have more severe and longer lasting symptoms than do adults. Medications that might ease the discomfort of a bad cold are acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which also reduce fever. Do not give your children aspirin because it may trigger Reye’s syndrome.

2. The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) The second most common childhood illness is gastroenteritis, more commonly known as the stomach flu. This childhood illness causes vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children. Signs of dehydration include: excessive thirst, dry mouth, a decrease in the normal amount of urine or dark yellow urine, decreased tears, and severe weakness or lethargy. Oral rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids, minerals and salts. When you reintroduce food, start with a light diet and try to avoid dairy products. Diarrhea may normally persist for a few days.

3. Ear infection (otitis media) Ear infections most often occur in children under the age of 2, but the problem can also be common in children up to the age of 5 or 6 — triggered by the respiratory illnesses picked up in daycare or school. It can be difficult to distinguish between ear infections caused by bacteria and those caused by viruses. Antibiotics will cure bacterial — but not viral — infections, and often even bacterial infections will be eradicated by the immune system without the use of antibiotics.

4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. When caused by viruses or bacteria, conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Warm or cool compresses may ease your child’s discomfort.

5. Sore throat Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are usually associated with other respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough. About 15 percent of children’s sore throats are caused by streptococci — bacteria that cause strep throat. Fevers above 101 F are common in strep throat, and swallowing can be so painful that your child may have difficulty eating. Antibiotics are required to treat strep throat, which can be diagnosed by a throat culture. Left untreated strep bacteria may cause other problems because the germ can spread or, very rarely, may cause rheumatic fever, which can affect the joints and the heart.

How long should sick kids stay home?

As a parent, you can help prevent the spread of illness by not sending a sick child to school or child care. Generally children can return to school when they: have no fever, can eat and drink normally, are rested and alert, and have finished the period of medically recommended isolation.

About The Saint Barnabas Medical Center Department of Pediatrics

Saint Barnabas Medical Center is one of New Jersey’s top providers of pediatric care. The Pediatrics Department includes every major pediatric sub-specialty and more than 250 pediatricians. A state-of-the-art $8 million Children’s Center is designed to meet the medical and emotional needs of young patients. For more information about our programs, or for a referral to a pediatrician or specialist, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.