The Five Most Common Kids’ Health Problems | Affinity Health
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, offers parents an affordable plan specifically tailored for children.
If you’re a parent, chances are you’re familiar with the top five common childhood illnesses – colds, ear infections, influenza, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis.
Children are more likely to become ill during the first few years of life as their bodies develop immunity against infection. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children, which includes cover for chronic conditions, as well as childhood illnesses, the most common of which we will be discussing today.
What Are the Top Common Childhood Health Illnesses?
1.
Cold
The No. 1 illness that strikes thousands of children worldwide is the common cold. From sniffles to sneezes, colds are an unavoidable part of growing up, with statistics suggesting that colds are the main reason children stay off school.
Babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers may get as many as seven to eight colds a year. At school age, they average five to six colds a year, while teens may have as many as four colds a year. Although there is no cure for the common cold, symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medication covered by Affinity Junior’s Day-to-Day Health plan.
2.
Ear infections
Ear infections are among the most prevalent ailments among children. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults. Bacterial or viral infections can cause ear infections. Oftentimes, ear infections clear up on their own but if your little one is cranky and feverish, a trip to the doctor may be on the cards. Don’t worry: Affinity Junior offers all its young members unlimited doctor visits, subject to primary healthcare referrals.
3.
Influenza
Influenza, sometimes known as the flu, is a virus that spreads quickly among children. Fever, sore throat, weariness, body pains, and chills are signs of this frequent paediatric sickness. The majority of cases are mild and can be treated at home with medication, water, and rest.
You can lower your child’s risk of catching the flu by ensuring that everyone in your family receives a flu vaccine each year. Although getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee that your child will not become ill, it does reduce their chance of contracting flu and can help lessen the severity and length of flu symptoms. Vaccinations, check-ups and other pre-emptive measures to avoid childhood illnesses all fall under the preventive care umbrella.
4.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition in which the airways in the lungs expand and generate mucus. Coughing, chest pain, weariness, headaches, body aches, and a scratchy throat are symptoms of this condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases of bronchitis are caused by a virus that arises after an upper respiratory illness. Children should see a paediatrician if they have a wet cough lasting more than two or three weeks, or have ongoing fevers, daily congestion, difficulty breathing, or experience wheezing.
5.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is a common childhood illness that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestinal tract. Diarrhoea and vomiting are the most typical gastro symptoms, but children may also suffer fever, stomach cramps, body pains, and headaches. Viruses (norovirus and rotavirus), bacteria that cause food poisoning, and parasite diseases can all cause gastro.
While gastro is quite common among children, it can be dangerous if it leads to dehydration. Babies and children under the age of five are most at risk of dehydrating, so it’s important to act quickly if your child displays gastro symptoms.
Go to your doctor if you notice that your child:
- Has a dry mouth and tongue.
- Has cold extremities
- Is not passing urine (dry nappies).
- Has sunken eyes.
- Has green (bile) or blood in vomit.
- Is more sleepy than usual.
- Has cold hands and feet.
Affordable Healthcare For Your Children
“All children deserve high-quality medical care. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – Keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy!” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
Hewlett adds Affinity Junior will provide your children with unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the plan chosen. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children.
“When it comes to common childhood illnesses, each illness can present in diverse ways that can even differ from child to child. If you are concerned about symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice through your GP, who can recommend the best course of treatment.”
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If you would like to leave a comment
CLICK HERE