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Infectious Diseases


Can my child go to daycare/school if they have scabies?
Your child should not return to daycare/school for 24 hours after treatment has begun.


How do I tell if my child has chickenpox?
- Chickenpox begins with a fever followed by a rash than can be very itchy. - The rash starts with red spots that soon turn into fluid filled blisters. - If you are not sure if your child has chickenpox, contact your family doctor but let them know you suspect chicken pox so they can make arrangements in the waiting room so your child doesn't spread it.


I found a tick on my body, what should I do?
To remove a tick: -Use tweezers to remove the tick, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out . -Clean hands and use an antiseptic ointment to the bite area. -Save the tick and bring it to Public Health. -Write down the date and place you think you picked up the tick.


I'm a teacher and work in a school that has fifth disease going around. What should I do?
Find out your immune status through your doctor. Fifth disease is most often spread through the air the same way as the cold virus, when a person sneezes, coughs or talks. It can also be spread by hands or objects that have been touched by an infected person. Clean your hands frequently especially before eating/drinking and teach everone to cough into their sleeves.


I'm pregnant and have been in contact with a child with fifth disease, what do I do?
At least 50% of adults have had fifth disease in childhood and will not get it if exposed so your baby would not be at risk. If you are not sure if you have immunity, contact your doctor.


I've had vomitting and diarrhea for 24-48 hours. Is it the flu?
No, influenza is mainly a respiratory infection but some children, less than five years of age may have diarrhea and vomitting with the flu, most likely because of fever.


My child has been diagnosed with mononucleosis, when can they go back to school?
They should be allowed to return as soon as they are well enough to participate in normal activities. The time range will vary from person to person. Many healthy people carry this virus throughout their life and don't ever know it.


My child's friend has been told they have scabies. Should I be concerned?
Scabies is spread through direct skin to skin contact or by sharing clothing or other personal items, ie: towels or bedding with someone infected. If your child slept in the same bed then watch your child for signs of scabies, contact your doctor.


What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people?
They are similar to seasonal flu, fever and cough as well as one or more of : - sore throat - body aches - headache - chills - fatigue Children five years and under could have diarrhea and vomitting


What does head lice look like?
Nits are very small - about the size of a head of a pin. Nits are grayish-white and are very difficult to pull off of a strand of hair. Nits will not leave the hair with a "flick" or if you try to blow it off. Nits are often found at the nape of the neck and behind the ears but they can be found anywhere on the head. Live head lice are very, very, small (about 1 to 2 mm). You need to use a magnifying glass or telescope to see them clearly. They are flat insects which have no wings and they kind of look like tiny crabs. They are grayish-brown in colour. They cannot jump or fly.


What if my child has been around a pregnant woman?
Only people who have never had chickenpox are at risk of becoming sick with it. People with immune system disorders or pregnant women who have never had chickenpox are exposed, they should call their doctor. A special medicine can be given to help prevent infection.


When can my child go back to school/daycare?
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children with mild chickenpox, no fever are well enough to participate normally in all activities, be allowed to return even with a rash.


Where do I go if I think I have H1N1?
Call your family doctor and let them know your symptoms before going to the office. If you go to the office, you will be asked to clean your hands with a hand sanitizer and put a mask on while you are there. You may also be asked to sit far away from other patients.


Will I be swabbed to see if I have H1N1?
Only people admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory disease will be swabbed.