Infectious Diseases Spreading In Daycare Centers

The contagious diseases that spread in daycare centers are well known. That is why many parents are concerned about their children’s exposure and vulnerability to viruses at this stage.

It is normal for children to suffer from a cold, bronchitis, otitis or strep throat when they first go to daycare. So don’t worry too much. It is a natural process that helps children build their immune system.

A child’s immune system is activated when confronted with infectious pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. This strengthens the child’s defense mechanisms and in case of later contact with the same pathogen, his immunological ‘memory’ is awakened.

It is quite normal for a child to get sick at a daycare. Very annoying of course, but this makes his body more resistant to viruses and bacteria.

If the child first has a cold and then develops laryngitis (mucosal inflammation of the larynx), this is a sign that his immune system is working properly.

Children are exposed to various types of infectious diseases that spread in daycare centers.  For that reason, we must be alert and minimally informed about each of them.

6 contagious diseases spreading in daycare centers

Roseola, the “sixth disease”

Roseola was discovered after the first five “spot diseases” :

• the measles
• scarlet fever
• rubella
• chicken-pox
• the fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum.

For that reason, roseola is known as the sixth disease.

It starts with a very high fever, followed by a rash that first appears on the trunk and then spreads to the extremities.

These small pink spots do not burn and disappear after about 3 to 7 days, as does the fever. All this is accompanied by mucus in the nose, a sore throat and red eyes.

The disease usually passes without complications. 

Ear infections

Ear infections are among the diseases that are spread in day care centers.  Otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by the buildup of mucus from a previous respiratory infection.

It makes sense that children are more vulnerable to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, wider and more horizontal.

When a child has an ear infection, he  makes noises with his throat, coughs, has earaches and a runny nose. He may also have a fever.

Stomach flu

This disease occurs mainly in younger children and is the most common infectious disease. It is caused by the rotavirus.

The main symptoms are:

• diarrhea
• yield 
• stomach ache 
• fever
• the presence of blood in mucus in some cases.

It can spread easily from changing the diaper. Good hygiene is therefore very important.

Proper hydration and a strict diet can significantly improve the condition. Antibiotics are only recommended if the symptoms do not go away on their own.

Herpangina and the ‘hand-foot-mouth’ disease

Herpangina is a common infection in babies, manifested by red dots in the back of the mouth that become small sores. The hand-foot-mouth disease manifests itself in the same way, but also on the hands and feet.

Among the main symptoms are fever, sore throat and general malaise, even before the presence of sores. Those sores disappear on their own after 10 days.

This infection can be spread through body contact or through the air. Proper hydration and hygiene reduces the risk of infection.

Conjunctivitis

This is also one of the contagious diseases that is spreading quickly in daycare centers. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the membrane that lines the eyelid from the inside from the innermost region of the eyelid to the eyeball.

Conjunctivitis is common in young children and can be caused by irritation, allergy, or infection.

The eye starts to redden because of the irritation and starts to water. This increases the feeling of painful itching.

Catarre and acute laryngitis

The most common symptoms of these conditions are fever, runny nose, and nasal congestion.  They are not serious diseases, but they give the feeling of breathlessness and can cause your child a lot of discomfort.

They can also cause loss of appetite and vomiting.

On the other hand, a strep throat is usually accompanied by a sore throat and coughing with mucus.

These illnesses generally disappear after a few days, but fever reducers can be used to control the fever and ease the discomfort. Expectorants are not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.

Viruses provide protection up to age 6

Babies who go to daycare get more infections than those who stay at home. This is because they interact with other children, as we said before.

A recent study found that, because of their early exposure to the virus, these children are protected from these germs when they are between 3 and 6 years old.

Marieke de Hoog, the author of this study, explains that “Child care causes the child to develop gastroenteritis at a younger age (before the age of two). On the other hand, it does not increase the incidence, as it immunizes him in infancy .”

In addition, she says, “It is possible that the protective effect will persist beyond age 6, although more research is needed to support this idea.”

This study, which involved more than 2,200 children under the age of 6, was published by Pediatrics Magazine .

It was noted that 83% of the children had attended childcare before their first birthday. Scientists concluded that gastroenteritis or stomach flu among children in daycare centers is 13% higher in their first two years.

Many of these infectious diseases that spread in daycare centers are very difficult to avoid. And even more difficult at nurseries where there are a lot of children.

However, with good hygiene and supervision we can try to prevent them. The nursery should notify you if your little one is showing symptoms.