What Parents Should Know Before Letting Their Children Play with Friends

School holidays are a time when children go out for activities, meet friends, play at playgrounds, or attend various camps more often. This increases their chances of coming into contact with germs from people around them.

Many childhood infectious diseases can spread rapidly, especially in places where children gather, such as schools, nurseries, or playgrounds. Just one sick child can spread an infection to many friends in a short amount of time.

5 Common and Easily Spread Childhood Diseases

1. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) RSV is a virus that causes respiratory tract infections. It is very common in young children, especially those under 2 years old, and is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children.

• Common symptoms: Fever, cough with phlegm, rapid or heavy breathing, and wheezing.

• Transmission: Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with mucus or saliva, and contaminated toys or surfaces.

Millions of children worldwide are infected with RSV every year. In some cases, symptoms can be severe enough to require hospitalization, particularly for infants and children with underlying health conditions.

2. Influenza (The Flu) Influenza is a viral infection that spreads very easily in crowded places like schools or daycares.

• Key symptoms: High fever, cough and sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

• Transmission: Through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and touching contaminated objects.

Getting the flu vaccine is an effective way to help reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. In some seasons, pediatric deaths from influenza are reported, and the majority of children who tragically pass away are unvaccinated.

3. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) HFMD is a common viral infection in young children, especially those under 5 years old.

• Common symptoms: Fever, mouth sores, and clear blisters on the palms, soles of the feet, or buttocks.

• Transmission: Saliva, coughing or sneezing, and contact with the feces of an infected person.

Outbreaks are frequently seen in places where children gather, such as kindergartens or early childhood centers.

4. Chickenpox Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. It is highly contagious, especially among children who have never been infected or vaccinated.

• Key symptoms: Fever, a clear, blister-like rash all over the body, and intense itching.

• Transmission: Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.

This disease spreads rapidly in schools or places where children are grouped together.

5. Dengue Fever Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is highly prevalent in tropical countries, including Thailand.

• Key symptoms: Sudden high fever, headache and body aches, loss of appetite, and in some cases, bleeding spots under the skin.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Dengue is one of the fastest-spreading diseases in many tropical countries.

What Parents Should Do to Reduce the Risk

• Wash hands frequently.

• Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

• Maintain the hygiene of children’s toys and personal items.

• Prevent mosquito bites.

• Check and ensure children receive necessary vaccinations as recommended by a pediatrician.

Taking preventive measures early on will help reduce the chance of children getting severely ill and allow them to enjoy a fun and safe school break.