When children return to school after the year-end holidays, they bring more than new routines into the classroom. November to January often sees a spike in illnesses, driven by monsoon weather, festive gatherings, and overseas travel that increase exposure to germs.
By the time January arrives, these bugs tend to circulate quickly in schools and childcare settings. For parents, this can feel like a tiring cycle. A child falls sick, sleep is disrupted, immunity dips, and soon the whole household is affected.
Understanding what the common childhood illnesses are how to respond can help break this cycle. Here is what parents in Singapore should know, and what you can do to protect your family.
Common Childhood Illnesses in Singapore
Here are the 7 most common sicknesses among children in Singapore:
1. Common Cold
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses children catch during the school year. These infections affect the nose, throat, and airways and spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
Symptoms
Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, low-grade fever (37.2°C to 38°C), and general tiredness.
What we can do
- Plenty of rest and fluids support recovery
- Wash hands regularly
- Teach children to cover their mouths when coughing
When to see a doctor
If symptoms last longer than ten days or if fever worsens.
2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
HFMD is one of the most common childhood illnesses in Singapore and often causes worry when cases start appearing in schools. While it spreads easily, most children recover fully with supportive care.
Symptoms
It often starts with fever, sore throat, and general discomfort. Painful mouth ulcers may follow, making eating and drinking difficult. Rashes or blisters can appear on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.
What we can do
- Soft foods, cold drinks, and adequate rest
- Wash hands regularly
- Keep infected children home until fully recovered
When to see a doctor
If your child refuses fluids, shows signs of dehydration, or has a high fever that does not settle.
3. Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition among children in Singapore, often made worse by heat, humidity, and frequent sweating. While it is not contagious, flare-ups can be uncomfortable and disruptive, especially when itching affects sleep and concentration.
Symptoms
Dry, itchy, red, or inflamed patches of skin, often found on the face, elbows, knees, or behind the ears. Flare-ups may worsen during hot weather or when skin becomes too dry.
What we can do
- Keep child’s skin moisturised with fragrance-free products
- Wear loose clothing and breathable fabrics (linen/cotton)
- Short, warm showers to prevent skin from drying out
- Avoid harsh soaps or excessive sweating
When to see a doctor
If eczema starts oozing or interferes with sleep despite regular care.
4. Bronchitis
Bronchitis occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed, often following a cold or flu and can cause wheezing.
Symptoms
A persistent cough that may last for weeks, chest congestion, wheezing, tiredness, mild fever, and discomfort when coughing.
What we can do
- Plenty of rest
- Warm fluids to soothe throat and loosen mucus
- Avoid smoke and strong scents
When to see a doctor
If the cough lasts longer than three weeks, breathing becomes difficult, fever persists, or your child appears unusually fatigued.
5. Allergies & Asthma
Unlike infections, allergies and asthma are not contagious, but they can flare up more often in Singapore’s humid climate and indoor environments.
Symptoms
Persistent sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms may worsen at night or during physical activity.
What we can do
- Identify and reduce exposure to triggers such as dust, mould, or smoke
- Follow your child’s asthma action plan
- Ensure medications or inhalers are used correctly
When to see a doctor
If symptoms interfere with sleep, school activities, or breathing becomes difficult despite medication.
6. Pink Eyes (Conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane on the eyelid and eyeball. It spreads easily among children, especially in school settings where hands and surfaces are shared frequently.
Symptoms
Red or pink eyes, itchiness, watery discharge, or sticky eyes upon waking. Some children may also complain of mild discomfort or sensitivity to light.
What we can do
- Encourage children to avoid rubbing their eyes
- Wash hands regularly
- Do not share towels, pillows, or eye products
When to see a doctor
If pain increases, vision is affected, or discharge becomes thick and persistent.
7. Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, spreads quickly in young children and can move through households just as fast. It often feels sudden and intense, especially in the first 24 hours.
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and fatigue are common. Children may appear weak or clingy during this period.
What we can do
- Small, frequent sips of fluids
- Plenty of rest
- Clean shared surfaces thoroughly
- Wash hands regularly
When to see a doctor
If there are signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth, persistent vomiting, or blood in stool.
Why Are They Common in Singapore
These illnesses are common for a few reasons:
- Developing immune systems: Young children are still building immunity, especially when exposed to school environments.
- Close contact: Classrooms, childcare centres, and shared facilities make it easy for germs to spread
- Seasonal surges: Illnesses often increase after school holidays when routines resume and exposure rises.
How to Prevent Common Sickness in Kids
Strong daily habits matter. Regular handwashing, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and outdoor play all support immunity. Keeping vaccinations up to date, including the annual flu vaccine, protects both your child and the community.
In Singapore, flu vaccination is recommended once a year. Either:
- March to April to prepare for the mid-year peak, or
- September to October for protection before the year-end travel and festive season.
Planning vaccinations during these periods allows immunity to build before exposure increases.
📖 Related read: Essential Vaccinations for Moms-to-Be: Protecting You and Your Baby
Gentle Reminder for Moms
Frequent minor illnesses are a normal part of growing up and building a stronger immune system. Still, that does not make the worry, disrupted routines, or late nights any easier.
When you are unsure whether a symptom is normal, whether to wait it out, or when to seek help, having reliable support matters. MomGenie is here to offer calm, judgement-free guidance tailored to your child’s age and needs, anytime you need reassurance or clarity. Because no parent should have to second-guess every sniffle alone.
