In this section, you will learn how diseases are spread, what you can do to prevent their spread and what diseases are reportable. Guidelines for diapering children, hand washing and managing sick kids are discussed as a means of infection control strategies. Also in this section, common communicable diseases are reviewed including description, mode of transmission, care and treatment and whether exclusion is required for the disease.
- 3 Things You Can Do to Scratch Out Head Lice
Many people wrongly connect head lice with poor hygiene. Many also think that head lice is a much bigger problem than it really is. The more you know about head lice, the more likely you are to see head lice as a problem that you can easily manage. - Alberta Routine Immunization Schedule
Immunization with vaccines provides protection against certain diseases. The vaccine helps the body make antibodies to fight infection. - Blood and Body Fluid Spills Clean-up
All body fluids, including blood, must be treated as infectious and handled cautiously... - Chicken? - Get Vaccinated to Prevent Chickenpox Disease
A chickenpox vaccine is now available and Alberta has added the vaccine to the childhood immunization program. The vaccine will protect about 97 per cent of healthy people against chickenpox disease, and almost always prevents severe disease. - Common Cold
The cold is an illness caused by a virus. There are over 100 different cold viruses. Colds can occur any time of the year. - Communicable Disease Control
Communicable diseases result from exposure to an infectious organism or its toxic products - Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and very common. - Croup
Croup is caused by a virus that triggers swelling of the windpipe around the voice box. - Diaper Changing Procedure for Child Care Providers
Wash hands and organize needed supplies... - Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum or Slapped Cheek Disease)
Fifth disease is a mild viral illness caused by human parvovirus B19. It is most common in school-aged children, but can occur at any age. - Food Poisoning
Each year about 7000 Canadians are reported ill from food poisoning. Sometimes, however, food poisoning is not reported. Health officials suggest that the actual number of Canadians that become ill from food poisoning is closer to 2 million. - Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by several different viruses and usually affects young children but can occur at any age. - Handwashing to Prevent Influenza
Make a habit of washing your hands often. This is especially important after you have been in contact with someone who has a cold or influenza. - Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a serious disease caused by a virus that can be present in deer mice in Canada. - Head Lice
Head lice are small greyish insects the size of a sesame seed that can live on a person's head. - Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a serious infection of the liver caused by a virus. - Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a potentially serious disease of the liver caused by a virus. This disease can result in liver damage. - Hepatitis C
Visit these websites to learn more about Hepatitis. - HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). - Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin rash characterized by a cluster of small blisters. The blisters eventually burst, leaving small, wet patches of red skin that may ooze clear fluid. - Influenza Vaccine
The viruses that cause the flu are continually changing. Since these change from year to year, you need an annual flu shot to make sure your body forms antibodies against the new flu viruses. Visit this web page for more info. - Meningitis
Meningitis is a swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is caused most often by a virus or bacteria. - Mononucleosis (Mono)
Mononucleosis is a common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is more common in older children and young adults, but can occur at any age. - Mumps (Parotitis)
Mumps is a viral disease that can affect children, and sometimes adults. - Pinworms
Anyone can get pinworms. Young children are most often infected because they are usually not careful about washing their hands. - Red Measles (Rubeola)
There are three types of illnesses referred to as measles - rubeola, rubella and roseola. - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can cause pneumonia in infants and children less than three years old. It is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and by touch. Because RSV is a virus, antibiotics do not help to cure it - Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. It has nothing to do with worms, but is called ringworm because of the ring-shaped patches it causes on the skin. - Roseola (Baby Measles)
Roseola is a very common childhood illness caused by a virus, human herpes virus-6B. - Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is a mild viral disease that usually occurs in children. It is a more severe disease in adults. - Scabies
Scabies is a skin irritation caused by an almost invisible insect or mite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs. - Strep Throat
Viruses cause most sore throats but strep throat is caused by an infection with a virulent strain of bacteria called streptococci. - Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough is a very contagious disease that makes it difficult to breath and causes a very bad cough. It is caused by bacteria called Bordatella pertussis
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