Trouble breathing and a cough, which sounds much like a seal barking are indications the child needs medical attention right away. The child can be treated with a cool mist humidifier if the doctor deems it necessary. Steam can also help decrease swelling to the windpipe. Once the child is breathing normally and the coughing eases up, they can return to daycare or school. But parents are warned it could be several days before the condition improves enough to allow the child to return to their normal daytime routine.
Pink eye is still another common childhood disease.
Highly contagious, the condition can be caused by either a virus or bacterial infection. The eyes become pink and itchy and in some cases even crust over after sleeping. McCulloh said pink eye usually clears up after three doses of medication and in most cases children can return to school within 24 to 48 hours. The biggest problem parents face is knowing when their child's illness is real or an attempt to avoid school or daycare for other reasons. Other obvious things that can't be faked is vomiting and diarrhea.