Diseases That Are Spread In Baby Nurseries

The diseases that are spread in nurseries are well known. Therefore, something that greatly worries us during this stage is our child’s exposure and vulnerability to any virus. It is normal for them to suffer from colds, bronchitis, otitis or laryngitis when they start nursery. This should not worry you, as it is a natural process for the child to build their immune system.

Faced with the stimuli of infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, the child’s immune system is activated. This causes the child’s defenses to become stronger and, in the event of repeated subsequent contact with the same pathogen, his immune “memory” is awakened. For this reason, it is very normal for the child to get sicker in the nursery, but this will make his body better cope with viruses and bacteria.

If the child first has a cold and then laryngitis, it means that his immune system is working properly. There are several types of diseases that are spread in nurseries to which children are exposed, so we must be very attentive and informed of each of them.

6 diseases that are spread in nursery schools

Roseola or ” the sixth disease”

Roseola or sudden exanthema was discovered after the five exanthematic diseases (measles, scarlet fever, rubella, chickenpox and megaloerythema), therefore, it is also known as “the sixth disease”. It begins with a very high fever, between 40.5 ° C, followed by a skin rash that appears first on the trunk and spreads to the extremities.

These small pink spots do not itch and remain on the skin for 3 to 7 days, during which the fever subsides. All of this is accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, and red eyes. The disease usually ends without complications.

Ear infections

Among the diseases that are spread in nurseries, otitis stands out. Otitis is the inflammation of the middle ear, which is usually caused by a previous respiratory infection due to the accumulation of mucus. It’s natural for little ones to be more vulnerable to ear infections as their Eustachian tubes are even shorter, horizontal, and wider.

If a child suffers from this disease, he will make noises in his throat, have a cough, earache and runny nose. Sometimes fever also occurs.

Stomach flu

This disease occurs mainly in young children and is the most common of those caused by rotavirus. The main symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and the presence of blood and mucus in some cases.

It can be easily spread through diaper changes or when children clean themselves, so it is very important that hygiene is impeccable. Good hydration and an astringent diet can significantly improve your health. Antibiotics are only recommended if you do not get better naturally.

Herpangina and “hand-foot-mouth” disease

It is a very common infection in babies, which appears as red dots at the back of the mouth that turn into small ulcers. For its part, the “hand-foot-mouth” disease manifests itself in the same way but in the hands and feet.

Among the main symptoms are fever, sore throats and a general malaise, even before the presence of ulcers. The latter disappear on their own after 10 days. This infection can be spread by contact or through the air. Maintaining good hydration and hygiene will reduce the risk of infection.

Conjunctivitis

This is one of the diseases that spread in daycare centers most quickly. It occurs when the conjunctiva, the membrane that surrounds the eye on the inside of the eyelid, becomes inflamed and reaches the front of the eyeball.

It is common in young ages and can be caused by irritation, allergy, or infection. The eye begins to turn red from irritation and produces more tears, but these become superinfected, producing more laganas, increasing the sensation of grit and itchy pain.

Acute cold and pharyngitis

Among the most common symptoms of these conditions are fever, runny nose, and nasal congestion. They are not serious illnesses, but they increase the sensation of shortness of breath and can make the child more uncomfortable. They can also cause you to lose your appetite and vomit.

On the other hand, pharyngitis is usually accompanied by a sore throat and a cough with mucus or phlegm. These diseases generally disappear after a few days, but antipyretics can be used to control fever and reduce discomfort. Mucolytics and expectorants are not recommended unless indicated by the doctor.

Viruses immunize up to 6 years

Babies who attend daycare get more infections than children who stay at home, this because they are closer to other children, as we mentioned earlier. A recent study found that these children, due to their early exposure to the virus, are protected against these germs between 3 and 6 years of age.

Marieke de Hoog, the author of this study, explained that “ the nursery accelerates the moment in which gastroenteritis is suffered (before two years of age), but does not increase the incidence, since it immunizes them in the preschool stage, before of compulsory education ”. In addition, he assured that “it is possible that the protective effect persists beyond 6 years, although more research is needed to support that idea.”

This research, conducted on more than 2,200 children under the age of 6, was published by the journal Prediatrics . It noted that  83% of children had attended daycare before their first birthday, and scientists found a 13% higher rate of acute gastroenteritis or intestinal flu among children in daycare in their two early years.

Many of these diseases that are spread in nurseries are very difficult to avoid, and even more so in nurseries for babies where there are many children; however,  with good hygiene and control we can try to prevent them. Remember to inform yourself in case the little one may present any of the symptoms.