Common childhood conditions: symptoms, treatment and school attendance

What are head lice?

Head lice are small insects that live in the hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Nits are the eggs of head lice.

Head lice are very common. Anyone can get them, and some children may get them more than once.

They:

• do not fly or jump
• spread through close contact or sharing items like hats and brushes
• usually die within 24 hours away from the scalp
• As a parent or carer, you have the primary responsibility for checking, detecting and treating head lice.

Key points:

• Check your child’s hair regularly for lice and nits
• Notify your school if you find head lice or nits
• Start treatment as soon as head lice are found
• Schools do not check for lice or provide treatment
• Head lice are common and do not reflect poor hygiene
• School attendance
• Students are welcome back to school the day after recieving reccommended treatment.

Prevention

• To help prevent the spread of head lice:
• Avoid sharing hats, scarves, combs, brushes and hair accessories
• Keep long hair tied back for school
• Clean combs and brushes in hot soapy water
• Wash clothing, towels and bedding in hot water (around 60°C) or dry using heat
• Place items that cannot be washed (such as soft toys) in a sealed bag for several days

Treatment

If you find head lice:

• Begin treatment straight away using a recommended product
• Follow advice from your pharmacist or doctor and instructions on the product
• Check and treat all household members if needed
• Continue checking hair regularly after treatment
• Head lice can be difficult to see. Look for:
• live lice close to the scalp
• nits attached firmly to hair strands (unlike dandruff, which brushes away)

The school will:

• Inform parents if there are known cases in a class
• Ask families to check children’s hair
• Not check students’ hair or provide treatment

More information

• Visit the Health Direct head lice and nits in children page
• Speak with your pharmacist or doctor
• Visit the DECYP head lice page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It can affect people at any age, but is most common in children.

It usually causes a mild illness, but can sometimes lead to complications.

Key points

• Causes an itchy red rash with fluid-filled blisters
• Most cases are mild and improve on their own
• Serious complications can occur (such as infection or pneumonia)
• Vaccination is the best protection
• Children can receive the vaccine through the National Immunisation Program

School attendance

Students are welcome to return to school after all blisters have dried – this is usually at least 5 days after the rash first appeared.

Prevention

• Vaccination is the most effective protection
• Avoid contact with others while infectious

Treatment

• Most children recover without specific treatment
• Manage symptoms with rest, fluids and comfort measures
• Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen

More information

Visit Health Direct chickenpox page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It mainly affects children and spreads easily in schools and childcare.

Key points

• Often called “school sores”
• Spreads easily through contact
• A doctor can diagnose it by examining the skin
• Usually treated with antibiotics
• Early treatment helps prevent spread

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school 48 hours after treatment or once sores have dried and healed.

Prevention

• Avoid touching sores
• Wash hands regularly
• Do not share towels, clothing or personal items
• Avoid close contact until treated

Treatment

• See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment
• Antibiotics may be prescribed (cream or oral medication)

More information

Visit the Health Direct impetigo page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, death.

Key points

• Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes and rash
• Can lead to serious complications (e.g. pneumonia, encephalitis)
• Vaccination provides strong protection
• Many people are immune if vaccinated or previously infected

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school at least 4 days after the rash appears.

Prevention

Vaccination (MMR or MMRV) is the best protection

Treatment

• Stay home to prevent spread
• Seek medical advice if measles is suspected

More information

Visit the Health Direct measles page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Influenza is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs).

Key points

• Can range from mild to severe illness
• Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue and body aches
• Vaccination is recommended every year
• Testing may include PCR or rapid antigen tests
• Most healthy people recover without medical treatment

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school once they are symptom-free.

Prevention

• Annual flu vaccination
• Wash hands regularly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid sharing utensils and personal items

Treatment

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Most people recover in 7–10 days without treatment

More information

Visit the Heath Direct flu page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Gastroenteritis is a common infection that affects the stomach and intestines. It causes vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.

Key points

• Spreads easily between people
• Causes vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea
• Babies under 6 months should see a doctor
• Treatment focuses on preventing dehydration

School attendance

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school after they have not had a loose bowel motion or other symptoms for 24 hours and if there is no cause identified.

They may need to stay home for 48 hours until the cause has been identified.

Prevention

• Wash hands thoroughly
• Clean contaminated surfaces and clothing
• Do not share food or utensils
• Do not prepare food while sick

Treatment

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Most people recover without medical treatment

More information

Visit the Health Direct gastroenteritis page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects young children. It spreads easily through contact with fluids and surfaces.

Key points

• Causes blisters on hands, feet and mouth
• Can include fever, sore throat and mouth pain
• Highly contagious
• Spreads through coughs, sneezes and contact with fluids

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school once all blisters have dried.

Prevention

• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid sharing cups, towels and clothing
• Clean toys, surfaces and contaminated items

Treatment

• No specific treatment
• Manage symptoms with rest, fluids and pain relief

More information

Visit the Health Direct hand, foot and mouth disease page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits. It can be serious, especially for babies.

Key points

• Causes prolonged coughing episodes
• May include a “whoop” sound when breathing in
• Can last for weeks or months
• Vaccination is the best protection
• Boosters are recommended for adults and pregnant women

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school 5 days after starting antibiotics, or 21 days from the beginning of their cough.

Prevention

• Vaccination
• Avoid close contact with others when unwell

Treatment

Antibiotics from a doctor

More information

Visit the Health Direct whooping cough page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition where the white of the eye becomes red or pink. It can be caused by infection, allergies or irritation.

Key points

• Highly infectious if caused by bacteria or viruses
• Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and discharge
• Can affect one or both eyes
• A doctor or pharmacist can advise treatment

School attendance

Students are welcome back to school after the discharge from eyes has stopped, unless a doctor has diagnosed non infectious conjunctivitis.

Prevention

• Avoid touching eyes
• Wash hands regularly
• Do not share towels or face cloths
• Clean bedding and personal items

Treatment

May require medication depending on cause

More information

Visit the Health Direct conjunctivitis page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.

What is it?

Ear wax is a normal substance that helps protect the ear. Sometimes it can build up and cause symptoms.

Key points

• Common and usually harmless
• Can cause earache, hearing loss or ringing
• Helps protect the ear from infection
• Only needs treatment if causing symptoms

How is ear wax treated?

If you notice any build-up that’s causing symptoms, there are some simple things you can do to help soften the wax:

• put olive oil drops in your ear twice a day for 2 to 3 days
• ask your pharmacist for wax-softening drops — these are made up of a mild and safe solution that softens the ear wax, so it falls out more easily

Prevention

• Do not insert objects (including cotton buds) into the ear
• Clean only the outer ear

More information

• Visit the Health Direct ear wax page
• Visit the Raising Children Network ear wax in babies, children and teenagers page

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.