Common Childhood Infections

Dealing with sick kids in the classroom can be challenging. To help, Southwestern Public Health and Middlesex-London Health Unit have created this guide about common childhood infections.

This guide explains to educators how to recognize and manage common infections in kids and how to reduce the spread of germs in your classroom. You’ll find:

• Signs and symptoms of common childhood infections

• Tips to keep your classroom safe and healthy

• Resources to help you take action

For detailed tips about infections and care for kids, visit the Caring for Kids website for extra support on Health Conditions and Treatments from the Canadian Pediatric Society. 

How can I prevent the spread of infections?

Childhood infections can spread in many ways, such as:

• Through coughing, sneezing or saliva

• By touching shared surfaces, like desks or equipment

• Exposure to blood, body fluids or direct contact with infected skin

The best way to prevent infections is to practice healthy habits. Here’s how:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water

• Teach kids good respiratory manners such as covering their coughs and using tissues

• Clean and disinfect shared items and surfaces

• Follow food safety rules, like washing fruits and cooking food thoroughly

• Stay home if you are sick 

For more on infection control, visit our Infection Prevention page.

What are common infections in children?

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and cause itching. They don’t spread disease, and anyone can get them. Learn how to spot and treat lice on our Head Lice Factsheet (PDF) and review frequently asked questions on head lice (PDF). 

Pink Eye

Pink eye is an eye infection that can cause redness, swelling and itching. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies or other irritants. Signs may include:

• Pink or red eyes that appear swollen and feel itchy

• Watery eyes

• Yellow or green discharge

• Crusty eyelids

Pink eye caused by bacteria or viruses spreads easily from one person to another through contact with fluid from an infected eye. However, pink eye caused by allergies or irritants isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread between people.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s page on pink eye.

Fifth Disease

Fifth disease is caused by a virus (parvovirus B19) and is common in kids. It can be a concern if you are pregnant and have not had the infection before. Symptoms may include:

• Red rash on the cheeks

• Lace-like rash on the body and arms that may be itchy

• Slight fever

The disease spreads through coughing or sneezing. Learn more about Fifth disease from Canadian Paediatric Society or review our factsheet on Fifth disease. 

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria (group A streptococcal bacteria). It usually appears as a skin rash of small, red bumps or blisters that ooze and crust over. The crust can look like dried honey. It spreads by touch of the fluid from someone who has impetigo. Towels, pillow cases and clothing can also spread this infection from person to person. 

Visit the Canadian Paediatric Society for more details on impetigo.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that usually affects children.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Headaches

• Mouth sores

• Body rash

Hand, foot and mouth disease spreads through coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces contaminated with infected bodily fluids or poop.

Learn more about hand, foot and mouth disease from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can infect both humans and animals. Most human coronaviruses cause mild illnesses, like the common cold. However, some types can lead to more serious diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that can cause symptoms like fever, cough and tiredness. It has affected people all over the world.

For more information about COVID-19 and vaccines, visit our COVID Info and Vaccines page.