What's going around in Chicago, IL

The common cold is a very common, mild viral infection of the nose and throat. It's usually harmless and children typically recover within a week to 10 days. While it can make your child feel uncomfortable, it rarely leads to serious complications.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold and usually comes on suddenly.

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be serious, especially for infants and young children, leading to more severe breathing problems like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children under 5 years old. It causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. While uncomfortable, it's usually mild and resolves on its own within 7-10 days.

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat, often with sudden onset and significant discomfort. It primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to inflammation and pain. While usually not serious, it's important to treat strep throat to prevent potential complications.

Viral gastroenteritis, often called the 'stomach flu,' is a common illness that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It's not related to the influenza virus, but rather a variety of other viruses. This infection leads to uncomfortable digestive symptoms that usually resolve on their own.

Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. It's very common in children and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. While it can look alarming, most cases are mild and clear up on their own or with treatment.

Parainfluenza, often known as Croup, is a common respiratory illness in young children that causes swelling around the voice box, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. This swelling makes breathing difficult and leads to a distinctive barking cough. It's usually a mild illness but can sometimes cause more severe breathing problems.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections in children, especially those under 5 years old. It was first identified in 2001 but has likely circulated for decades. HMPV is most prevalent in late winter and spring, overlapping with RSV and flu season. Most children are infected by age 5, and reinfection throughout life is common.

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They are a common problem among school-aged children and are not a sign of poor hygiene. While annoying, head lice do not spread disease.

Pinworms are tiny, white, thread-like worms that live in the human intestine. They are a common and highly contagious parasitic infection, especially in young children. While uncomfortable, pinworm infections are generally harmless and easily treatable.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that often develops in people who have strep throat. It's characterized by a bright red rash that covers most of the body, often feeling like sandpaper. While it can look alarming, it's usually not serious and is easily treated with antibiotics.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that causes severe, prolonged coughing fits. It is especially dangerous for infants under 12 months who are not yet fully vaccinated. The illness progresses through stages and can last 6–10 weeks or longer, earning it the nickname "the 100-day cough."

Rotavirus is a very common and highly contagious stomach bug that primarily affects babies and young children. It causes severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. While unpleasant, most children recover fully with proper care.

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of your child's skin. It's highly contagious and can spread easily through close personal contact. The mites lay eggs, which hatch and cause more itching and irritation.

Adenovirus is a common group of viruses that can cause a wide range of illnesses, from respiratory infections like the common cold to pink eye and stomach flu. It's highly contagious and can affect people of all ages, but it's particularly common in young children.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. It causes redness, irritation, and discharge, and is one of the most common eye conditions in children. Most cases are mild and clear up on their own, but viral and bacterial forms spread very easily through schools and daycares.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus. It can range from mild to severe, and while children often have milder symptoms, they can still get sick and spread the virus to others. It's important to understand the signs and how to protect your family.

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a common and usually mild childhood illness caused by a virus. It's best known for its distinctive bright red rash on the cheeks, giving it a 'slapped cheek' appearance. While generally harmless, it can be more serious for pregnant women or individuals with certain blood disorders.

Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mostly affects young children. It usually starts as red sores or blisters around the nose and mouth, which burst and form a distinctive honey-colored crust. While uncomfortable and easy to spread, impetigo is rarely serious and clears up quickly with antibiotics.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common type of lung infection, often called "walking pneumonia" because it tends to be milder than other forms of pneumonia. Children with this infection might not feel sick enough to stay in bed, but they can still have a persistent cough and other respiratory symptoms. It can affect the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, often called 'stomach flu' or 'food poisoning.' It leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing sudden and unpleasant digestive symptoms. While uncomfortable, it's usually a short-lived illness.

Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. Despite its name, it's not caused by a worm but by a type of fungus. It often appears as a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle, resembling a ring.

A stomach bug (also called gastroenteritis or the stomach flu) is an infection of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It usually comes on suddenly, runs its course in 1 to 3 days, and spreads quickly through schools, daycares, and families. Most cases are mild, but young children can become dehydrated quickly and need careful fluid intake.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It's characterized by an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. While usually mild in children, it can be more severe in infants, adults, and those with weakened immune systems.