ca. 14 days

From the day before rash begins - until spots are dry.

Child complains of feeling unwell & develops a rash and possibly a temperature. Red spots are visible becoming fluid filled blisters after ca. a day. They start on the chest & back first then spread.. Lymph glands behind ears become 'lumpy'. Blisters become scabs which eventually drop off. Unless the spots/blisters are badly infected scarring is rare.

Visit to Health Centre unnecessary unless you are unsure that it is chicken pox or the child severely distressed. Paracetamol are recommended as are a plenty of fluids. Loose, baggy clothing helps avoid itchiness, which can be further relieved with calamine lotion and lukewarm baths.

7-12 days

From a few days before rash - until 5 days after rash goes.

Child develops fever. After ca. 3 days a rash is visible with red, raised, blotchy spots that do not itch. The child feels very unwell and develops a high temperature and cough.

Measles normally last around 7 days. It is a rare illness now because of widespread uptake of MMR vaccination.

Contact the Health Centre. Plenty of bed rest is recommended. Fluid intake must be kept up, and warm drinks help relieve discomfort from the cough. Give recommended Paracetamol doses to reduce discomfort and lower temperature. Vaseline can prevent lips becoming sore. Ensure any 'crustiness' that forms around eyes is cleared with warm water

14-21 days

Few days before feel ill - until swelling reduced (ca.10 days total).

Child may complain of earache, especially when chewing. Swelling becomes apparent under the jaw near the ears. Swelling often more prominent on one side, which may be followed by the other side also swelling.

Your child may not feel especially unwell, but will complain of swollen glands. Paracetamol will help to alleviate pain. Ensure the child has plenty of fluids, but not fruit juice as they increase saliva production which in turn increases pain levels from swollen glands. A consultation with your GP is not necessary unless your child's mumps is accompanied by stomach cramp and vomiting.

14-21 days

From a few days before feeling ill - until ca. a week after rash appears.

Rubella is hard to diagnose as it often starts out as a mild cold. A rash will appear within 2 days on the face and will spread. The rash is of flat spots that are pale pink in appearance. Rubella may also cause swelling in glands on the back of the neck.

As ever ensure the child is given plenty of fluids to drink. It is vital that you keep an infected child away from pregnant women as the virus is dangerous to unborn babies. A visit to the doctor is unnecessary

7-14 days

From first signs of feeling unwell - until 6 weeks after cough begins.

Begins as a cough which gradually worsens leading to coughing bouts after ca. 14 days. The coughing fits can make breathing hard and leave the child exhausted. Always accompanied by a 'whooping'. The cough may not disappear for several weeks. It is easy to prevent your child contracting this disease with a simple childhood immunisation.

If your child develops a cough that worsens over time and if coughing fits get longer with increased regularity consult your doctor.  It is important to ascertain whether or nor your child has whooping cough.