And as your partner in health,
we’ve got your back.
At Cigna Healthcare®, we’re on a mission to help you and your kids stay healthy and well—physically and emotionally—at all ages and stages. Keep coming back as we continue to bring you relevant and helpful family health topics.
Test your knowledge about some common childhood illnesses.
Kids bring home a lot more from school than just homework—especially during the first few weeks. Every surface, every sneeze, every high five can spread the flu, colds, stomach bugs and more. Take this quick quiz to see how many answers you get right.
✅ Fact
RSV—short for respiratory syncytial virus—is one of many viruses than can spread by touch and on surfaces like desks and doorknobs. Washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs like these.1
❌ Myth
While norovirus (stomach bug) symptoms tend to subside quickly, don’t let your guard down. The virus remains inside your child’s digestive tract for weeks afterward.2 Another good reason for diligent handwashing.
❌ Myth
Poor hygiene does not cause head lice. These pesky creatures crawl from person to person during close contact or by sharing items with another person who has head lice (think combs, brushes and hats.)3
✅ Fact
Normal activities like talking, sneezing, coughing or touching an infected area can easily spread streptococcal bacteria—the cause of most strep throat.4 Confirming that it’s strep requires a throat swab at the doctor’s office.
❌ Myth
Consult a doctor to determine if your child’s pink eye (conjunctivitis) is viral or bacterial. Viral pink eye can last for 3-7 days, and is contagious as long as symptoms are present. If it’s bacterial, they can usually return to school 24 hours after starting treatment.5
❌ Myth
The flu can cause high fever, head and body aches, coughing for days, and severe fatigue for up to two weeks or more. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older.6
They say ages 5-10 are “the easy years”… that sweet spot between the baby/toddler stage and before adolescence. They’re also important milestone years. We’re here to help make them healthier and happier ones.
It’s common for kids to feel nervous the first few days of school. For some, these transitions can lead to true anxiety. We’ve got strategies that can help.
The preteen and teenage years are an exciting and often confusing time. (You remember puberty, right?) Here, we’ll take a look at health and wellness from a teenager’s point of view.
Raising strong, healthy and well-adjusted humans starts with focusing on your own health and well-being.
These trusted resources are filled with helpful information that parents can use to help children and teens thrive.
Help your child manage anxiety
Signs your teen may need help
Depression in children & teens
