Common Childhood Conditions

A doctor is clapping hand with a little girlFalling sick can be a distressing experience for your child. As your child is not fully exposed to viruses in the environment, he or she will have fewer antibodies against these viruses. This makes your child more prone to falling sick.

We are well-equipped to manage and treat various illnesses children commonly face, including:

Common Cold and Flu

Both the common cold and influenza (flu) are usually caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Your child may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and fever.

Even though both diseases have similar symptoms, children with flu may experience more severe symptoms. It is also more dangerous than the common cold, as children with flu are at a higher risk of developing complications, especially those below five years old.

If you are unsure whether your child caught the common cold or influenza, schedule an appointment with our paediatrician. We can confirm the symptoms, as well as share advice on caring for your child.

Hand, Food, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

An infectious disease usually affecting children under five years old, HFMD spreads through saliva, fluid from the nose, blisters, and stools. In the early stages of HFMD, your child may experience fever, reduced appetite, or sore throat. As the disease progresses, sores, blisters, or rashes may emerge from your child's palms, soles, buttocks, or mouth. This may be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea.

HMFD is usually mild, and your child will recover within two weeks. In the meantime, ensure your child has adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. In severe cases, certain HMFD disease strains can cause serious complications involving the heart and nervous system, or even result in death. See a paediatrician or head to the emergency department immediately if your child shows symptoms of drowsiness, lethargy, irritability and / or recurrent vomiting.

If you suspect your child to have HMFD, see our paediatrician to confirm the symptoms. We will prescribe medications to ease your children’s symptoms, as well as offer advice and precautions for a faster recovery.

Chicken Pox

Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, chicken pox is highly contagious and lasts several days. The incubation period usually ranges between 10 to 21 days. The first sign of chicken pox is usually a fever, followed by the disease’s characteristic small, itchy, and red blisters that develop all over the face and limbs, which may burst when scratched. As the symptoms of HFMD are often confused with chicken pox, you should consult us to confirm your child’s condition.

During your visit, we may also conduct laboratory tests to confirm the symptoms. Treatment may vary depending on your child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. Children usually respond well to symptomatic treatment, although some may need antiviral medication and antibiotics.

Do inform us in advance if your child shows symptoms of chicken pox, so we can make the necessary preparations to avoid infecting other patients.

My child has chicken pox. When should I visit the emergency department?

You should visit the 24 Hour Emergency Department immediately if your child experiences the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Breathlessness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting

Make An Appointment

Make an appointment to consult a paediatrician at a children's clinic near you. Select "Specialist Appointment". Under Specialist Appointment Details, select "paediatric medicine" or "paediatric surgery".

Make an enquiry. We will get back to you within 2 working days. You can reach us at 6311 1588.

Contact Raffles Children's Centre

Make an enquiry if you require more information.

Our staff will get back to you within 2 working days.