Common Childhood Illnesses

Kids get sick, it’s an inevitable part of growing up. Their immune systems are still developing, which means they’re more vulnerable to the viruses and bacteria circulating in schools, daycares, and everyday environments. The good news? Most childhood illnesses are common, manageable at home, and short-lived. This guide walks you through several conditions parents frequently encounter, what symptoms to look for, how to care for your child, and when it’s time to call the doctor.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the airways in the lungs become inflamed, often after a cold. Most cases in children are acute bronchitis, which is almost always viral.

Common symptoms include:

• A lingering cough (sometimes lasting weeks)
• Chest congestion
• Mild fever
• Fatigue
• Wheezing in some cases 

Home care tips:
Keep your child hydrated, use a cool-mist humidifier, and let them rest as much as they need. Honey can help soothe a cough for children over the age of 1. Avoid cough medicines unless advised by a doctor, as they aren’t usually recommended for young children.

When to call the doctor:
If your child has fast or difficult breathing, a high fever, persistent wheezing, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While the varicella vaccine has made it less common, cases still happen.

What to look for:

• An itchy rash that starts as red bumps and turns into fluid-filled blisters
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite 

Home care tips:
Focus on comfort by using anti-itch creams, oatmeal baths, and cool compresses. Keep your child’s fingernails trimmed to prevent scratching and infection. Use acetaminophen for fever and avoid aspirin, which is unsafe for kids with viral illnesses and can cause Reye syndrome.

When to call the doctor:
If the rash becomes infected, your child is under 1 year old, symptoms are severe, or your child has a weakened immune system.

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

Pinkeye refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva and can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.

Common symptoms:

• Red or pink eyes
• Watery or thick discharge
• Itching or irritation
• Crusty eyelashes in the morning 

Home care tips:
Use warm compresses for bacterial or viral pinkeye, cool compresses for allergy-related pinkeye, and keep your child from rubbing their eyes. Encourage frequent handwashing to prevent spread.

When to call the doctor:
If there is significant swelling, pain, sensitivity to light, or symptoms that don’t improve within a couple of days.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It’s most common in school-aged children.

Signs to watch for:

• Sore throat that appears suddenly
• Pain with swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sometimes stomach pain or headache 

Home care tips:
A doctor will need to confirm strep throat with a test. If your child tests positive, antibiotics are required, so be sure your child finishes the full course. Offer plenty of fluids, warm soups, and rest.

When to call the doctor:
If your child has symptoms of strep, difficulty swallowing, or dehydration, or if symptoms return after finishing antibiotics.

Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Stomach bugs are usually caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus.

Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
Primary focus for home care: preventing dehydration with small sips of fluids and electrolyte solutions.

For detailed treatment tips, red flags, and recovery timelines, visit our full stomach bugs blog.

Colds (Common Viral Upper Respiratory Infections)

Colds are extremely common viral illnesses in children, especially during the school year. They spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and shared surfaces.

Common symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Congestion

• Mild fever

• Sneezing

• Fatigue or low energy

Home care tips:
Provide plenty of fluids, use a cool-mist humidifier, and encourage rest. You can also use saline nasal drops or sprays to loosen congestion. Avoid over-the-counter cold medicines in young children unless advised by a doctor, as they often do not help and may cause side effects.

When to call the doctor:
If your child has trouble breathing, a fever lasting more than three days, signs of dehydration, ear pain, or symptoms that worsen instead of improve after several days, it’s time to seek medical care.

When to Call the Doctor

No matter the illness, call your pediatrician if your child has:

• Trouble breathing
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips)
• A high fever that doesn’t improve
• Severe or worsening symptoms
• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
• A rash that spreads quickly or looks infected
• Symptoms lasting longer than expected

General Home-Care Tips

• Keep your child well-hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion.
• Offer fever reducers as needed (acetaminophen or ibuprofen if age-appropriate).
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Encourage handwashing to prevent spreading germs.
• Keep sick children home to protect others.

Wrapping Up – Common Childhood Illnesses

Most childhood illnesses are part of growing up and resolve with simple home care and rest. By understanding what symptoms mean and when to seek help, you can feel more confident navigating sick days. And remember to trust your instincts. You know your child best, and your pediatrician is always there to help when something doesn’t feel right.