Common Childhood Illnesses: When To Consult a Pediatrician

Leading MS Pediatric Doctors Talk About Childhood Illnesses

When dealing with your child's illness, sometimes you are not always sure when it is time to take your child to the pediatrician. Our providers at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS are highly qualified, exceptional, licensed, and compassionate about child health care and are willing to answer any questions regarding your child and common childhood illnesses.

Common Childhood Illnesses

Realistically speaking, it is unavoidable to keep your children healthy all the time. Your child will become ill eventually. Knowing when to take them to us can be a hard decision to make. We will discuss common illnesses and the best time to bring your ill child to us for treatment.

According to the pediatrician staff at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS, your child may get some of the following common childhood illnesses.

Common Cold

• Caused by the rhinovirus
• Transmitted by touching surfaces carrying the cold virus
• May have low-grade or no fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, tiredness, and a slight cough.

If the cold involves a higher fever or worsening ear pain, your child should see the doctor, as your child may have developed an ear infection along with the cold.

Influenza

• Symptoms differ from the common cold
• The flu virus lives on surfaces for short periods
• Is passed by sneezing or coughing
• Moderate to high fever (103° - 105°)
• Body aches, headaches, persistent sore throat, tiredness, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Lasts a few days or a few weeks with harsher symptoms
• Visit the doctor for a persistent deep cough, increased wheezing, difficulty breathing
• May develop ear infections requiring medical treatment 

Chickenpox

• Caused by the varicella-zoster virus
• Causes an itchy infectious rash
• Easily spread by coughing or direct contact
• Your child is contagious until the rash turns to scabbing 

There are immunizations against chickenpox that our doctors recommend for your child. Our doctors follow the guidelines from the CDC regarding childhood immunizations. The doctor must see and examine your child for the correct diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms worsen, chickenpox can cause many complications.

Pink eye

• Multiple causes
• Eye appears reddish and irritated/sand-like feeling in the eye
• Drainage increases/thickens, and drainage may "mash" eyes shut during sleep 
• Requires a trip to the doctor for antibiotics and or eye drops

Schedule Your Visit Today

Call our experienced providers of Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS, at (601) 384-1646 and (601) 587-4304. Our providers look forward to helping your child with their illness.