While most one-off childhood illnesses are no longer as common as they were
two decades ago, with fewer parents choosing to vaccinate, mumps, measles and rubella are on the increase once more. It is, however, important to vaccinate against these diseases as they carry the risk of serious, potentially fatal, complications.
Chickenpox (Varicella zoster virus)
Itchy rash that first appears as small red bumps, usually on the scalp, face
or trunk.
Passed on: By touching, coughing, sneezing. Children are most contagious a
few days before the rash appears. As the blisters crust over, the risk of
passing on infection diminishes.
Added risks: adults or pregnant women who are not immune.
What can help: aloe vera, oatmeal, calamine lotion or, if your GP prescribes
it, antihistamines, to stop the itching.
Scarlet fever
Begins with a sore throat, headache and fever. Tongue, tonsils or back of
the throat may have a whitish coating. Rash breaks out on the second day,
usually in the armpits, neck, chest and between the legs.
Passed on: By touching, coughing, sneezing.
Added risks: If scarlet fever isn't treated with antibiotics, it can cause
abscesses on the tonsils, and can develop into rheumatic fever.
What can help: Ibuprofen or paracetemol, get plenty of liquids as well as
ice cream, soups or milkshakes as swallowing can be extremely painful.
Mumps
Usually presents as a swollen and sore area just below the ears. Child may
say it hurts to swallow and have a fever.
Passed on: By touching, or coming into contact with particles coughed out.
Added risks: Mumps can, in rare cases, inflame other parts of the body cause
more serious complications.
What can help: Warm compress around the child's neck. Also, avoid tangy
flavours as they can stimulate the salivary glands and cause added pain.
Measles (rubeola)
An itchy rash, a low fever that lasts about 24 hours, stuffed or runny nose,
and enlarged lymph nodes (at the back of the neck, behind the ears).
Passed on: In the air, by sneezing or coughing.
Added risks: Your child is not at risk, but pregnant women who are exposed to
the virus are. In the first trimester it can cause congenital rubella
syndrome, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects.
What can help: Ibuprofen or paracetemol to help bring the temperature down
and make your child comfortable.
For more information visit www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk
