Symptom guides for parents
Start with the symptom in front of you, not a diagnosis. Each guide covers what usually causes it, the signs that mean call a doctor, what helps at home, and when your child can go back to school.
Fever
Temperature thresholds by age, when to call, and how long to stay home.
Cough
Most coughs in children come from a common cold and last one to three weeks, lingering after every other symptom clears.
Rash
Most childhood rashes are viral and clear on their own within a week or two.
Sore throat
Most sore throats in children are viral and come with a cough, a runny nose, or hoarseness.
Vomiting
Most vomiting in children is a stomach bug that stops within 24 hours.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in children is nearly always a viral stomach bug and settles within three to seven days.
Headache
Most headaches in children come from a virus, dehydration, missed meals, screen strain, or poor sleep, and ease with fluids, food, rest, and weight-based pain relief.
See what's actually going around
Symptoms make more sense when you know what is spreading at your child's school this week.
What's going around near you →