How to differentiate between common childhood illnesses

We check in with Dr. Paul Roumeliotis to discuss three common viruses and what you need to know.

Childhood illnesses are common this time of year as the weather changes, but it can be hard to tell the differences between each one.

Some of the most common illnesses seen in children in the mid-spring months including roseola, hand, foot and mouth disease, and fifth disease.

All have similar symptoms that include fever, rashes, nausea and vomiting.

“Bottom line is most are not dangerous and no treatment is required except to keep the children comfortable,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, a pediatrician and medical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU).

CTV Morning Live checked in with Roumeliotis to talk about some of the differences between the three illnesses.

Roseola

The illness is a common infection that usually affects babies and children under two years of age, he says.

It is most found in the fall or spring.

Parents will often notice a fever that lasts for three to four days followed by a rash, which can often worry parents.

“All the sudden a rash goes through the body, very small fine rash, not very dangerous, and that’s how we can tell,” he said.

The infection usually goes away within a week or so, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment of roseola includes cool cloths and over-the-counter medication to reduce fever.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Roumeliotis describes hand, foot and mouth disease as another common and mild infection that can impact children and sometimes adults.

The infection usually occurs in the summer, but it can happen anytime of the year.

“Its like what it says – hand, foot, mouth – it’s got a rash on the feet, a rash on the hands and a rash on the mouth,” he said.

Symptoms of the rash will often appear with blister-like lesions sometimes accompanied by fever, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea. The rash is not itchy.

“If a child has fever, we can give Tylenol or acetaminophen, but never give aspirin,” Roumeliotis said.

The Mayo Clinic says frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with people who have hand, foot and mouth disease can help reduce your risk.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease, sometimes known as “slapped-face syndrome”, is most well-known by its distinctive rash on the cheeks.

The rash will also appear around the body, usually with a pink, lacy and slightly raised appearance.

Other symptoms can include fever, upset stomach, headache and runny nose.

“This goes away on its own, but typically last a bit longer, around five to 10 days,” Roumeliotis says.

Infection is most common in the winter and spring.

The infection is not dangerous to children unless they have pre-existing health conditions, he says.

He warns pregnant women who come in contact with the infection to seek advice from a doctor, though most will have immunity.

“In most situations, mothers would have had it sometimes in their life, so they are protected,” he said.