Dr Chris Steele

Common childhood infectious diseases

Dr Chris Steele looks at common childhood infectious diseases. This section is designed to help you to be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for. Always call your own G.P. if you are worried about your child's health.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

The common infectious children's diseases can be divided into two categories 'spotty' and 'non spotty'. Click on the links to learn more about each one.

Spotty

Measles
Rubella (German Measles)
Chickenpox
Scarlet fever

Non-spotty

Whooping cough
Mumps

As all infectious diseases are more severe when they occur in adults, people argue that it is better to get these infections as a child. In fact, it is not better to catch these infections as a child, it is unwise to get them at ANY AGE as they are potentially serious diseases. We can all be protected by vaccination. Get injected - not infected!

DISAPPEARING DISEASES!

Other infectious diseases (all 'non-spotty') which your child will be vaccinated against are:

• Diptheria
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Fortunately these four diseases, which used to kill and cripple our children in the past, are now rare in the western world as a direct result of active immunisation programmes.

INCUBATION PERIODS

The time between contact and appearance of symptoms varies from one illness to the next.