The five most common childhood illnesses are: • Common Cold — It comes as no surprise that the common cold is one of the most widespread childhood illnesses. While there is no cure for the cold, it typically clears up on its own within a few days; symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications. • Ear Infections — Ear infections are some of the most common childhood illnesses, especially considering the fact that many children experience recurring infections. • Influenza — More commonly known as the flu, influenza is a type of virus that can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches. Much like the common cold, the infection clears up on its own with symptoms that can be managed with at-home therapies and over-the-counter medicines. • Bronchitis — Inflammation of the bronchi, also known as bronchitis, occurs when the airways in the lungs swell and produce mucus. This results in coughing, sore throat, soreness in the chest, fatigue, body aches, and headaches. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a virus that often occurs after an upper respiratory infection, but it can also be caused by inhaling airborne irritants or smoking. • Conjunctivitis — Known by the more common (and descriptive) name “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the eyes and inside of the eyelids. The telltale signs of pink eye include redness, discharge (for bacterial infections), itchiness, and swelling in one or both eyes. There are multiple causes, including chemicals, irritants, and allergies, but the contagious type of conjunctivitis is caused by a bacteria or virus that infects the eye.