Parents have been warned about how to cope with the infections children are likely to pick up from their friends at primary or secondary schools.

According to Sheila Wayman, writing for the Irish Times, there are many embarrassing bugs that kids can catch from their friends.

She said that head lice, worms or scabies were examples of infections that are likely to be developed and told parents that these can easily be treated by going to a pharmacist.

From November 1st 2010, this process will become easier after private consultation areas in all chemists will be obliged by the law in Ireland.

Ms Wayman said: "Be assured that if there is any doubt about the problem or its severity, a pharmacist will advise you to bring the child to the doctor."

She suggested parents be aware of the symptoms for worms, hand, foot and mouth and slapped-cheek disease, as well as more common infections such as warts.

Health information website Net Doctor also named common childhood diseases including chickenpox, whooping cough and scarlet fever as illnesses that parents should be on the lookout for.

Written by Donal Walsh 

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