School Time: Get Ready for the Sneezes and Yawns
With the new school year in full swing, your household has morphed into a whirlwind of breakfast runs, backpack checks, and late‑night homework battles. While the classroom is a treasure trove for learning, it can also double as a buffet of germs. Expect it; just make sure you’re armed with the right knowledge to keep your little ones feeling their best.
5 Common Back‑to‑School Bugs (and How to Beat Them)
- Chickenpox – The classic “blue‑pox” rash can be a pain.
- Tip: Vaccinate ahead of time; it’s a quick shot that keeps the pesky blisters at bay.
- Tip: If a rash appears, give your child soothing oatmeal baths and keep them hydrated.
- Influenza (Flu) – That dreaded body ache accompanied by a runny nose.
- Tip: Massaging the sternum with warm compresses can ease the pressure.
- Tip: Plenty of fluids, a little honey (if over one year old), and rest are key.
- Common Cold – The eternal campus complaint.
- Tip: Encourage a high‑vitamin C diet with fruits like oranges and berries.
- Tip: A gentle saline spray can relieve congestion while you stay out of school’s germ‑hub.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease – That red‑spot surprise.
- Tip: Keep the child’s hands clean and switch socks and underwear daily.
- Tip: Mild pain relievers and cold, hydrating foods keep the sores manageable.
- Strep Throat – A sore throat that can feel like a DIY spa for your kid’s vocal cords.
- Tip: Quick antibiotic treatment (if prescribed) can stop the spread and speed recovery.
- Tip: Adequate rest and warm teas with honey are gentle soothing options.
Remember, a little proactive care can help your child bounce back faster. Keep your kids hydrated, encourage hand‑washing, and monitor for any flu‑like symptoms. With a few simple steps, you’ll help them navigate the back‑to‑school season like pros—minus the coughing and sneezing.
Common cold
Keeping Your Kid’s Cold at Bay
What the Averages Look Like
You’ve probably gotten the drill – lots of fluids, loads of rest, and the usual suspects: mild fever, congestion, coughing, and a sore throat. Armed with a little water and a nap, the body’s immune system kicks in and takes care of the headaches, sneezing, and that annoying sore throat.
Kids may also get a stuffy or runny nose and a mild fever. If that fever hangs around longer than five days – or if you notice nausea or diarrhea – it’s a good time to pause and call in the experts.
When to Call the Doctor
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious‑disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, points out that a common cold rarely morphs into something nasty like pneumonia. Still, it’s smart to watch out for more intense coughing, shortness of breath, and a stubborn fever. Better safe than sorry.
Even when the cold is “just a nuisance,” the remedy is simple: enough fluids and plenty of rest. “That’s the quickest route back to health,” says Dr Leong.
Quick‑Fix Prevention Tips
- Hand washing is a must – soap, water, 20 seconds, repeat.
- Hands off the face – eyes, nose, mouth… keep those hands busy elsewhere.
- Sleep well – 8–10 hours of shut‑eye gives your immune system a boost.
- Eat healthy – load up on veggies, fruits, lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly – a quick walk or playful run helps keep the body humming.
Influenza (Flu)
When the Flu Does a Take‑Over
Suddenly, your body feels like it’s on a rollercoaster: a scorching 40 °C fever, muscle pains that feel like someone’s giving your joints a full‑body massage, and chills that make you break into a spontaneous cry. You’re also juggling headaches, a sore throat, that irritating cough, and occasionally your gut decides it’s time for a drama break with vomiting or diarrhoea.
Flu vs. Common Cold: The Big Differences
- Fever, headache & muscle aches are the headline acts for the flu, while the cold hangs out with runny nose & mild sore throat.
- The cough in flu is usually less dramatic than in a cold.
- The flu invites you to the bed‑room club; staying home becomes the new social norm.
When the Flu Goes Bad
If you’re a youngster or a senior, the risk of turning the flu into pneumonia spikes. Dr. Leong recommends a quick call to the doctor as soon as the first wavy rash of symptoms appears. A prompt diagnosis and early treatment can stop the flu from spiralling into a worst‑case scenario.
Prevention – The Vaccination Power
Getting the influenza jab is a smart move: it can hover over 90% effective at keeping the flu at bay two weeks after injections. If you’re still worried about that pesky virus:
- Remind the kids to wash those hands like they’re trying to bleach the litter box.
- Wear a face mask – not just for style, but to make sure the flu doesn’t hitch a ride on your breath.
So next time the flu knocks, you’re armed with a stronger defense than a common cold – and a good laugh to keep the spirits up while you’re stuck on your mattress.
Pink eye
When Your Kid’s Eyes Turn Pink: A Parent’s Quick Guide
Notice a splash of red in your little one’s eye whites, a sudden sensitivity to the sun, or tears that seem to be on full sprint? It might just be pink eye. Here’s how to spot it, treat it, and keep the rest of the class out of your child’s eye‑sore situation.
What Does Pink Eye Look Like?
- Eyes feeling itchy or burning, especially when the light hits.
- Excessive tearing or a watery discharge.
- Swollen eyelids with a barrage of redness.
Where Does It Come From?
Dr. Leonard Ang, an eye whiz from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, tells us that pink eye can be a sly virus or a sneaky allergy.
- Viral factor: Think of it as the cozy cousin of the common cold—bugs that linger in your child’s pupils and then leave on their own.
- Allergy angle: If your child already suffers from hay fever or eczema, those pesky allergens could hijack the eyes.
Treatment 101
Most gangsters of the eye world are viruses—good news because they typically bail on their own. But if a bacterial villain is at play, your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Either way, it’s a good idea to tag your child in for a check‑up—especially if the irritation lasts forever, gets nasty, or brings a pain reaction.
Pro Tips to Stop the Spread
- Keep the checked out child home until they’re no longer contagious.
- Give them a friendly, hard‑hitting reminder to keep their fingers off their eyes. Potions and good habits—this helps you ward off not just pink eye but a bunch of other unwelcome bugs.
So, dip into the eye guard zone, keep an eye on symptoms, and let a pro handle the rest. Your child’s pupils will be back to their usual sparkle in no time!
Hand, food and mouth disease (HFMD)
Hang in There, Tiny Toughies!
Hi parents and little champions—when the tiny ones bite the air with a nasty handful of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD), they’re not exactly feeling like champs.
Quick Peek at the Red‑Flag Signs
- Fever Fever! The thermometer starts doing its dance.
- Air‑Space Awkwardness: Sore throat plus the “kiss‑and‑tell” mouth ulcers on the inside of the mouth or the edges of the tongue.
- Hand & Feet Fashion Show: Tiny blisters decide to pop on palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks.
- Lazy‑Day Lethargy: Imagine if your kid turns into a grumpy sleepy panda.
- No Appetite Drama: The “What’s for dinner?” question turns into “What’s still edible?”
Isolation = The Super‑Power
Dr. Leong says it’s “super-viral”—the little guys can spread the sickness faster than a meme in a family chat. Turning the patient into a little house‑islander keeps the rest of the crew safe.
When Things Get Serious
Rare‑but‑real: some folks can bump into nervous system and heart complications. Mark it as a “rare plot twist.”
Road to Rapid Recovery
- Hydration Hero: Keep the fluids flowing—sweetened iced drinks or popsicles do double duty: pain relief + hydration hero.
- Rest & Recovery: Turn bedtime into a “recharging station” for the little body.
- Word About Painkillers: A gentle nudge from medicine can help ease the pain show.
Dehydration Drama? Upgrade to Hospital Care
If the little champ starts losing their drinks, it’s time to call in the “IV squad.” A hospital may be needed to re‑hydrate the body.
Stay Clean: Hand Hygiene 101
- Even after the cough and fever lifts, the virus can still hang around in the stool for a few months.
- Wash hands like you’re cleaning up a color‑splattered art project—soap, water, and a healthy ritual.
Prevention Tip: No Vaccine Hero Yet
It’s a no‑vaccine world, but every superhero (you!) can keep the risk down by:
- Calling “hand wash” every time before eating or after potty time.
- Avoiding the “Hug‑and‑Squeeze” dance with someone who’s infected.
Remember: a bit of humor, a lot of care, and your superhero hands are all you need to ride out HFMD in no time!
Stomach flu
When Your Stomach Starts a Party (But Nobody’s Invited)
That feeling when your stomach has decided to throw a wild rave is not just a dull tummy ache. Think eight‑pack of vomiting, an endless slide of diarrhea, and a pain that feels like your abdomen has been selected as the new spring roll in the menu.
What’s the Party Line-up?
- Vomiting that makes you wish you’d stayed home a bit longer.
- Diarrhea that turns every bathroom look like a plot twist.
- Sharp abdominal pain that says “I’m a chef, but I’m not cooking.”
Most of these paramedics are viruses that often make a run through child‑care centers—think of them as the uninvited guests that get swept up in a revolving door. The good news? Most stomach viruses crash the party after a few days to a week and need no magic potion—just a healthy dose of rest.
On the Support Desk: Dr. Kelvin Thia Gives the Play‑by‑Play
If symptoms pop up out of the blue, keep the hydration coming:
- Water and isotonic drinks to keep the electrolytes flowing.
- Hold the oily, spicy foods, and dairy for a couple of days until the show ends.
Yet, if the fever goes over 38.5°C, the pain gets dramatic, or the vomiting blocks hydration, call your doctor ASAP. It’s like letting the villain get into your kitchen—no, serious!
For Those on the “Medical Conditions” Stand‑by List
People already battling health issues usually don’t handle dehydration well—think of it as a double‑health bloat. These folks should seek medical help when stomach flu hits the club.
Keeping the Virus Out of Your Home’s +1 List
Household rule #1: if someone is already on the stomach flu roster, another member will likely get invited in ~48 hours. The gold standard is to keep the sick person air‑borne and out of the living room.
| Cleaning | Wash hands with soap multiple times a day. |
| Surface Hygiene | Wipe counters, doorknobs, and shared gadgets regularly. |
Remember: a tidy space equals fewer chances for the virus to tag along. And if you’re still not done at the cough, a mix of wellbeing and humor can help you laugh off the pain—though the cure still involves simple care. Good luck, and may your stomach settle into a calm, quiet sleep for a good few days. Happy healing!
When to keep your child at home
Deciding Whether Your Little One Should Split the Classroom
Picture this: you’re piled on the front‑row of a grocery store, fingers trembling over the discount pack, and you stumble upon a vital question— Is my child’s not feeling too funky to make it into school today? The answer isn’t riddled with quantum physics; it’s all about keeping the gang healthy.
Why Taking the Sick Kid Home Is the Smart Move
- Spam Allergy: The gist—if the child is still buzzing with germs, it’s a ticket to a kitchen nightmare for everyone else.
- School’s a Grand Social Hub: A sick child is a litmus test for viral spread; the classroom becomes a merry-go-round of contagion.
- A Force of Nature? No. You’re not just a nurse, you’re a superhero preventing chaos.
When in Doubt, Call the Doctor
If the “I’m not 100% sure” status creeps in, dial your local doc. Having a professional give the green light (or red light) can make the difference between a forgiving day at school or a week of underwhelming treatment.
Venturing to your GP is the fastest way to get back on track.
Always Keep a Close Eye on Health
Monitor temperature, cough, or any sneezing drama. If symptoms pop up like a surprise pop‑up ad, unplug and head home.
Tip: Pre‑School Patient Questions
- Did the child take a high fever before?
- Are they more awake or groggy?
- Has a vaccine shot recharged their immune system today?
Answer these within 30 minutes—just mindful time to keep they’re steady.
“We’re done!” You can rest easy knowing you’ve defended classmates, teacher, and the whole community. Head home, give them a bath, and let them recover like a top‑tier champion.
Article Reviewers
Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, infectious disease specialist —Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Dr. Leonard Ang, ophthalmologist —Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Dr. Kelvin Thia, gastroenterologist —Health Plus