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You are here: Home > FAQs > Child Illness Guide
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    Children's illnesses

     
     

    When booking an emergency nanny it's vital you tell us of any illness your child may have

     
     

    In particular, we need to know if your child has a contagious condition such as chicken pox; impetigo; hand, foot and mouth; norovirus; etc.

    The nanny agencies we work with must be made aware of anything that could be passed on to their emergency nannies - and then potentially to another child.

    Undisclosed illness

    If an emergency nanny arrives for a booking and discovers the child has a contagious illness, the nanny can refuse to stay. In such circumstances no refund will be made.

    Guide to contagious illnesses

    The information below is for guidance only - always check with us and we will consult our partner agencies.

    Emergency Childcare illness table - for your reference
     

    Condition Details Suitable for care?

    Chicken pox

    Usually child is mildly unwell. Itchy rash and mild fever.

    Yes - but only 5 days after the spots have appeared.

    Common cold

    Runny or stuffy nose and possibly mild fever.

    Yes.

    Conjunctivitis

    Red, sore and sticky eyes. Highly contagious. Good hygiene essential.

    Yes. Carer must practice good personal hygiene.

    Diarrhoea and vomiting

    Abdominal aches. Possibly mild fever.

    Yes. Carer must practice good hygiene.

    Fever - unknown reason

    High fever and child unwell.

    Care available after fever subsides or cause is ascertained.

    Flu

    Fever aches and pains, fatigue and cough.

    Care available after fever has subsided.

    German measles (rubella)

    Rash and fever.

    Yes - unless possibility carer is pregnant and has not been immunised.

    Head lice

    Itchy scalp with lice and eggs.

    Care available 24 hours after treatment.

    Hepatitis A

    May be flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain.

    Care available after all symptoms have resolved and doctor states child no longer infectious.

    Impetigo

    Blistery rash usually on face.

    Care available after all spots have crusted over and are completely dry / until 48 hours after antibiotic treatment has been started.

    Measles

    Fever, rash, unwell.

    Care available 5/7 days after appearance of rash unless nanny has had measles or been immunised.

    Meningitis

    Symptoms vary.

    No - until doctor states child is well enough for care - symptoms may persist for weeks/months.

    Mumps

    Fever, headache, sore throat, facial swellings.

    Care available 9 days after facial swellings appear or carer has had mumps or been immunised.

    Ringworm

    Itchy, sore areas of skin.

    Yes - if lesion can be covered. If not then wait until treatment started.

    Scabies

    Itching in skin creases, scalp, palms, soles etc.

    Care available once treatment is completed.

    Scarlet fever

    Sore throat and rash.

    Care available once fever has subsided/once they've been on a course of antibiotics for at least 5 days.

    Slapped cheek syndrome
    (Fifth disease)

    Mild fever, cold symptoms, flushed cheeks, abdominal pain.

    Yes.

    Tonsillitis

    Sore throat and fever.

    Care available once fever has subsided.

    Thrush

    White patches in mouth or on genitalia.

    Yes.

    Whooping cough

    Cough, fever, nausea, vomiting.

    Care available if child has no breathing difficulty and carer has been immunised. After about 5 days of taking anti-biotics they are no longer infectious.

    Worms

    Anal itching, restless sleep.

    Yes. Carer must practice good hygiene.

     

    Please note: The above information is for general guidance only.

    If you have further questions please get in touch with our team on support@emergencychildcare.co.uk or 0345 241 5307.

    We're available 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday.

     

     

    Children's illnesses

     
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