What are the 5 common illnesses cause school absence

etting sick, especially in the first months of school, doesn't necessarily mean your child's immune system is unhealthy. It takes a while for the body to build up immunities to common viruses. Most of your child's illnesses will be minor.

When should you keep him home? When should she see the doctor? The Mayo Clinic lists five illnesses as the top causes of missed school.

COMMON COLD

More than 200 viruses can cause symptoms that we think of as a cold, including runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, and sneezing. Scientists identified more than 100 of these viruses as rhinoviruses or the common cold. Because the cold is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't work. Instead, doctors recommend drinking fluids, resting -- even if it means taking a day off from school -- and trying to prevent sharing an illness with others.

Cold and cough medicine is not usually recommended for young children. Colds are contagious and can spread as droplets (sneezing, laughing, coughing) and by touching contaminated objects like doorknobs, computer keyboards and handrails.

Wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth while out. Colds usually go away within one week. Occasionally, complications occur, such as a middle-ear infection -- another top reason why kids miss school.

EAR INFECTION

Ear infections, or otitis media, sometimes occur after a cold. Fluid builds up within the ear and lets bacteria multiply. Ear pressure, pain, and diminished hearing are some symptoms. While some ear infections are viral, others are caused by bacteria and will benefit from antibiotics. If ear infection develops, seeing a doctor is usually recommended.

If your child has persistent thirst, seems very weak, is lightheaded, or has decreased urine output, he or she may be dehydrated and medical attention is needed right away. Otherwise, a stomach virus will run its course. Experts discourage using medicines that stop diarrhea; most feel that they just delay eliminating the virus from the body.

Instead, have your child eat or drink only bland foods or clear liquids. Don't rush the food. If your child is unable to hold down liquids for more than a day, call the doctor. Avoid dairy and acidic foods such as tomato sauce and orange juice for the first few days of recovery.

SORE THROAT

Most are viral and will go away without any special treatment. Don't insist on antibiotics if your doctor says your child doesn't need them. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

But if your doctor says it's most likely a strep throat, your child needs to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed, or a more serious illness could occur. Most sore throats can be helped with warm, salt-water gargles. If needed, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given. To minimize complications such as Reye's syndrome, avoid giving aspirin to children under age 18.

PINK EYE

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye), is the last, but certainly not least, of students' top five ills. It's contagious, and the school nurse will insist that you keep your child home until this condition is treated or checked by your doctor.

It can be caused by allergies, but if it's a viral or bacterial cause, it's contagious. Red, itchy, watery eyes that are crusted over in the morning are typical symptoms. Blurry vision may also contribute to the discomfort. If it's bacterial, your doctor will prescribe eye drops or ointment containing special antibiotics for the eye. Don't share this medication nor use anything not prescribed specifically for the eye.

The best back-to-school advice for your child is to keep his or her hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth. If if washing hands before eating is not practical, pack a hand-sanitizing gel for a quick clean-up before lunch.

Gail Larkin's column on Emergency care appears Monday in the Health section. She can be reached in care of the Advance.

STOMACH VIRUS

Stomach virus often hits fast and then seems to disappear within hours. Was he faking it? Probably not. Vomiting- and diarrhea-related illnesses are common with kids but don't usually last more than a day. Unless your child is dehydrated or just can't hold anything down after a day, most of these ills don't require medical treatment.

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