Schools tend to host a cocktail of disease, infection and fungal spores, just waiting to infect your child! A mixture of developing immune systems, close contact and low self-awareness pretty much ensures your child will catch at least one, if not all of these 6 contagious infections that kids get from school.
The following contagious conditions are just some of the nasty little infections your children can pick up at school. There are many others, but these are the most commons ones.
You’re almost guaranteed to be faced with one or more of these conditions at some point. But as long as your child isn’t immune-compromised, this is actually good for their development. Dr Ty says that catching these viruses, infections, infestations and fungal diseases helps build a child’s immune system:
A child exposed to colds and viruses earlier in life will develop a stronger immune system and is less likely to become sick… Immunity is immunity. When you get it, you have it. So, if you get it earlier, you’re going to be immune earlier.”
And, having a scrupulously clean and sanitised school isn’t a good thing either. Sanitising classrooms and play equipment could help prevent the spread of certain bacteria, but it’s actually a good thing for kids to get exposed to germs earlier on in life. In fact, it could even help reduce the chance of asthma and allergies:
The hygiene hypothesis supports the idea that where children commonly live in unclean environments, [their] immune systems are stronger with a lower incidence of allergies and asthma.”
So, with that understanding, we don’t need to be afraid of our children getting one of these. But what is important is knowing how to manage the illness, and what to do to help prevent further infection.
6 Contagious Infections that Kids Get at School
Head Lice or Nits
Head lice, or nits, are an age old problem – they have always existed in human communities and they can only be tackled by a community approach of prevention and eradication. Read more on treatments for how to get rid of head lice.
Impetigo or School Sores
School sores is the common name for Impetigo, which is a skin condition. School sores, or impetigo, is very contagious, and easily spread around school age children. Find out more about the symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of school sores here.
Verugas or Warts
Warts – or verrucas as they’re commonly known when found on feet – are a harmless skin growth common in children, characterised by rapid growth of the top layer of skin around the affected area. Find out all about how to get rid of warts.
Ringworm
What is ringworm you ask? Well, it’s a fungal infection of the skin, that’s very contagious. Prevention is always better than cure, so read on for advice on the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of ringworm in children.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, Foot and Mouth is a common infection among young children. We provide sound, expert advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of hand, foot & mouth here.
Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
What is Conjunctivitis? This common eye condition is caused by the membrane covering the eye and the lining of the eye becoming red and inflamed. Find out about the necessary prompt treatment to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis through the family.
Now that you know about the most common infections that kids catch at school, you may want to learn more about the most common childhood diseases.
