2.1. Identify the signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses

This guide will help you answer 2.1. Identify the signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses.

Recognising signs of illness early allows you to respond quickly and seek the right medical help. Children can become unwell fast, so knowing the common signs of each illness helps keep them safe and supports their recovery. In early years and playwork settings, you will often be one of the first people to notice something is wrong.

This guide covers a range of common childhood illnesses. For each, you will see the key signs and symptoms explained in clear, everyday language. This will help you develop confidence in spotting illness in the children you care for.

Common Cold

A cold is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and sinuses. It is very common in young children and spreads easily.

Typical signs include:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Mild cough
• Slight fever
• Tiredness
• Reduced appetite

Children may be irritable and sleep less comfortably. The illness is usually mild, but keep watch for worsening symptoms that could mean something more serious like flu or an ear infection.

Influenza (Flu)

Flu is more severe than a common cold. It is caused by the influenza virus and spreads quickly in groups.

Key symptoms:

• Sudden high temperature
• Aching muscles and joints
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Persistent cough
• Feeling very tired and weak
• Loss of appetite

Flu may cause a child to want to lie down and rest more than usual. Symptoms can be similar to a bad cold, but the onset is usually quicker and the child appears more poorly. Watch for breathing difficulty or dehydration, which need urgent medical help.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is common in children and spreads easily through coughs, sneezes or touching contaminated objects.

Typical signs:

• Red spots, first appearing on the chest and back
• Spots turn into small fluid-filled blisters
• Itching on affected skin areas
• Mild fever
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

The rash usually spreads to the face, scalp, arms and legs. Blisters eventually crust over. The itching can be distressing for children, so keeping nails short can help prevent scratching and infection.

Measles

Measles is a serious viral illness that is now less common in the UK thanks to vaccination, but it can occur.

Main symptoms:

• High temperature
• Cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough and sneezing
• Red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body

Measles can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia or brain inflammation. Any suspected case needs urgent medical attention.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands, particularly those near the ears.

Signs include:

• Swelling around the jaw and under the ears
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling generally unwell

Swelling may appear on one or both sides of the face. Mumps can lead to complications, so prompt medical advice is important.

Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is often mild but can be dangerous in pregnancy. Good vaccination coverage has reduced cases.

Symptoms:

• Pink or red rash starting on the face and spreading
• Low fever
• Swollen glands at the back of the neck
• Mild cold-like symptoms

The rash fades within a few days. Children may recover quickly, but notifying health authorities is important to prevent spread.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus.

Signs to look for:

• High temperature
• Sore throat
• Swollen neck glands
• Rash with a fine, sandpaper-like texture, often starting on the chest and stomach
• Red lines in skin folds
• Flushed face with paleness around the mouth
• Strawberry-like appearance of the tongue

It often follows a throat infection. Antibiotic treatment is needed, so children should see a doctor quickly.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the lungs and airways.

Key symptoms:

• Persistent coughing fits
• “Whoop” sound after coughing due to sudden inhalation
• Vomiting after coughing
• Difficulty breathing during coughing fits
• Runny nose in early stages

Young babies are at greatest risk of complications. Vaccination helps prevent this illness.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

This viral infection is common in young children.

Symptoms:

• Small red spots or blisters on hands, feet and inside the mouth
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability

Mouth sores can make eating and drinking painful, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can affect the outer or middle ear. Middle ear infections are common in young children and may follow a cold.

Signs:

• Ear pain
• Pulling at the ear
• Fever
• Irritability
• Trouble hearing
• Fluid or pus coming from the ear

Ear infections can clear up on their own, but recurring pain or discharge should be checked by a doctor.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye’s white covering and inner eyelids, often from infection.

Symptoms:

• Red or pink eye
• Itchy or gritty feeling
• Discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together
• Watery eyes

It can be viral, bacterial or caused by allergies. Infections can spread, so careful hygiene is important.

Gastroenteritis

This is an infection of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus.

Signs:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite

The biggest risk is dehydration. Watch for dry mouth, fewer wet nappies or dizziness.

Asthma Flare-Up

Asthma is not an infection but can be triggered by viruses or allergens, causing breathing problems.

Symptoms of a flare:

• Wheezing sound when breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tight chest
• Cough

Severe difficulty breathing is a medical emergency. Children with asthma should have an individual care plan.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection.

Signs include:

• Red sores that quickly develop into blisters
• Blisters burst and leave crusty patches
• Itching

It often appears around the mouth, nose or hands. Antibiotic creams or tablets may be needed.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not caused by worms.

Symptoms:

• Red, ring-shaped rash with a clear centre
• Itchy skin
• Patches can be scaly

It spreads by contact with infected skin, clothing or shared surfaces. Treatment includes antifungal creams.

Head Lice Infestation

Head lice are small insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood.

Signs:

• Itchy scalp
• Small white eggs (nits) attached to hair close to the scalp
• Lice visible on close inspection

They spread easily through close head contact. Special combing and treatments remove them.

Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Also called fifth disease, this viral illness often affects school-age children.

Signs:

• Bright red rash on cheeks
• Rash may spread to body
• Mild fever
• Runny nose

Children often feel well despite the rash. Pregnant women should be informed if exposed.

Final Thoughts

Spotting signs and symptoms quickly is an important part of caring for children. Your observations can guide whether the child needs rest, a doctor’s care or emergency help. Some illnesses may present differently depending on the child’s age or development stage, so good communication with parents and carers matters.

Record what you see clearly and keep monitoring the child. This helps others make informed decisions about care and treatment. In your role, knowing these signs strengthens safety and supports the wellbeing of the children in your setting.