With school activities in full swing and winter approaching, runny nose and sore throat are making a comeback.

Wearing masks and maintaining social distancing do limit the spread of diseases, but it is still difficult for children to avoid all germs in schools and daycare facilities. Bayhealth pediatrician Taqdees Afreen, MD, said that for those who visit for the first time, their immunity has not yet been established, so it is expected that the children will often get sick. 

Afreen said it is normal for children to catch colds 6 to 8 times a year, which means they may get more sick during the school year than every other month. Although most problems are caused by viruses and will go away on their own, the following are the most common childhood diseases and signs of when to see a doctor.

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by the common cold and are common in infants in nurseries and children in schools. The usual symptoms are runny nose, congestion, cough, and sometimes fever. Most are caused by upper respiratory viruses that the body naturally resists. But when the cold seems to get worse, it may need treatment.

An example is bronchitis, called bronchiolitis in infants and young children, where the infection enters the lower respiratory tract. "This will cause more congestion and breathing," Afreen said. "It is mainly viral, but more disease control is needed, especially for infants or asthmatics who may need a nebulizer, so it is recommended to see a doctor."

Colds in children can also develop into ear infections or sinusitis-infections of the lining of the sinuses around the nose. Symptoms often vary with age, but ear pulling, trouble sleeping, and irritability are indicators of ear infections in young children.

Sore throat is a common complaint of school-age children. Most sore throats, especially mild sore throats, will get better on their own. When a sore throat is accompanied by fever, red tonsils, white spots, and swelling of neck glands, contrary to symptoms related to colds or allergies, it may be strep throat. The medical provider can determine if it is and will be treated with antibiotics.

Urinary tract infections are common in young children who go to daycare or preschool. Remind children to develop healthy bathroom habits and wiping habits, make sure they stay hydrated, and avoid bubble baths or other irritants can help. If you suspect UTI, please see a healthcare provider so that you can get a urine test.

If parents and caregivers find that their child has any of the following signs, they should contact the child’s healthcare provider: High fever—especially above 101 degrees; difficulty breathing; not eating or drinking; coughing or congestion and persistent yellow or green viscous mucus Over a week or worsening or wheezing that is not related to asthma; earache; burning or pain when urinating; increased urge to urinate or less frequent urination than usual.

"The symptoms of many common childhood illnesses overlap with the signs of COVID-19, so we can no longer take it lightly," Afreen said. “Before sending their children back to school or daycare centers, parents should call the doctor’s office for any next steps, including COVID testing, to ensure that they are healthy and will not spread the disease to others.”

Dr. Taqdees Afreen has seen children from infants to 18 years old at Bayhealth Pediatrics in Milford and is accepting new patients. For more information, please visit Bayhealth.org/Pediatrics or call 302-725-3550 to make an appointment.

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