Teen Health Hub
TeenThreads mission: No panic. No stigma. Just clear health facts — what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get help.
Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or scary, get help right away.
How to Use This List
- Step 1: Find the condition name.
- Step 2: Read “What’s common” and “What to do at home.”
- Step 3: If you see red flags, don’t wait — ask a parent/guardian or school nurse and consider medical care.
- Step 4: Use the trusted links to learn more (government + medical library sources).
Normal vs Not-Normal (Red Flags That Need Help)
Get urgent help if a teen or child has:
- Trouble breathing, bluish lips/face, or severe wheezing
- Chest pain, fainting, or severe weakness
- Seizure, confusion, or not waking normally
- Severe dehydration (very little urination, extreme dizziness, very dry mouth)
- High fever with stiff neck, severe headache, or rash that spreads fast
- Serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or suspected broken bone
- Allergic reaction with swelling of face/lips/tongue or breathing trouble
- Any situation that feels immediately dangerous
MedlinePlus – When to Call for Emergency Help (general guidance)
All 25 Conditions (Jump List)
TeenThreads tip: If a symptom lasts longer than expected, keeps coming back, or disrupts school life, it’s a valid reason to ask for help.
Tracking symptoms (dates, triggers, severity) helps clinicians figure things out faster.
MedlinePlus – How to Prepare for a Doctor Visit
1) Common Cold
What it is: A viral infection that causes runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, and mild cough.
- Common signs: sneezing, sore throat, mild fever (sometimes), cough, tiredness.
- Home care: rest, fluids, gentle soups, honey for cough (only for kids over 1 year), saline nasal spray, humid air.
- Red flags: breathing trouble, dehydration, high fever that persists, symptoms that worsen after improving.
- Prevention: handwashing, avoid sharing drinks, cover coughs/sneezes.
MedlinePlus – Common Cold
2) Flu (Influenza)
What it is: A contagious respiratory illness that can hit harder than a cold.
- Common signs: sudden fever, body aches, chills, cough, fatigue.
- Home care: rest, fluids, fever comfort measures; follow label directions for age-appropriate medicines.
- Red flags: trouble breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, dehydration, high-risk conditions (asthma) with worsening symptoms.
- Prevention: yearly flu vaccine, handwashing, stay home when sick.
CDC – Flu (Influenza)
3) COVID-19
What it is: A respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. Symptoms range from mild to serious.
- Common signs: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue; sometimes stomach symptoms.
- Home care: rest, fluids, follow current public health guidance; consider testing if recommended.
- Red flags: trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, symptoms that rapidly worsen.
- Prevention: vaccination per guidance, hygiene, staying home when sick.
CDC – COVID-19
4) Allergies (Seasonal/Environmental)
What it is: The immune system reacting to pollen, dust, pets, or mold.
- Common signs: sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion; often no fever.
- Home care: reduce triggers (pollen/dust), shower after outdoor time, keep windows closed on high pollen days.
- Red flags: wheezing, breathing trouble, swelling of face/lips, or severe reactions.
- Prevention: trigger control, follow clinician plan if diagnosed.
MedlinePlus – Allergy
5) Sinusitis
What it is: Inflamed/infected sinuses, often after a cold or allergies.
- Common signs: facial pressure, thick nasal drainage, cough, reduced smell.
- Home care: fluids, humid air, saline rinses (used safely), rest.
- Red flags: severe facial swelling, high fever, symptoms lasting a long time or getting worse.
- Prevention: manage allergies, good hand hygiene.
MedlinePlus – Sinusitis
6) Sore Throat (Including Strep Throat)
What it is: Throat irritation from viruses, allergies, or bacteria (like strep).
- Common signs: throat pain, trouble swallowing; with strep: fever, swollen glands, no cough (often).
- Home care: warm fluids, rest; seek testing if strep is suspected.
- Red flags: trouble breathing/swallowing, drooling, severe dehydration, high fever.
- Prevention: handwashing, don’t share drinks/utensils.
MedlinePlus – Sore Throat
CDC – Strep Throat
7) Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
What it is: Infection/inflammation in the middle ear, common after colds.
- Common signs: ear pain, trouble hearing, fever, fussiness (younger kids).
- Home care: comfort measures; medical evaluation may be needed depending on age/severity.
- Red flags: severe pain, swelling behind ear, high fever, drainage.
- Prevention: vaccines on schedule, reducing smoke exposure.
MedlinePlus – Ear Infections
8) Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
What it is: Eye redness/irritation from viruses, bacteria, or allergies.
- Common signs: red eye, watery or sticky discharge, itchiness.
- Home care: gentle cleaning, avoid touching eyes, don’t share towels; clinician may advise treatment depending on cause.
- Red flags: severe eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, swelling around eye.
- Prevention: handwashing, avoid sharing eye makeup/contacts.
MedlinePlus – Conjunctivitis
9) Asthma (Wheezing/Reactive Airways)
What it is: Chronic airway inflammation that can cause wheezing and breathing trouble.
- Common signs: wheeze, cough (especially at night), chest tightness, shortness of breath.
- Home care: follow an asthma action plan if diagnosed; avoid triggers; use prescribed inhalers as directed.
- Red flags: trouble speaking due to breathlessness, lips turning blue, severe breathing difficulty.
- Prevention: trigger control, meds as prescribed.
CDC – Asthma
10) Headaches (Tension/Migraine)
What it is: Head pain can be from stress, dehydration, poor sleep, or migraine.
- Common signs: pressure-like pain (tension) or throbbing with sensitivity to light/sound (migraine).
- Home care: hydration, rest, food if skipped meals, sleep, quiet room; track triggers.
- Red flags: sudden “worst headache,” headache with confusion, fainting, severe neck stiffness, or after head injury.
- Prevention: regular sleep, hydration, meals, stress skills.
MedlinePlus – Headache
11) Stomach Bug (Viral Gastroenteritis)
What it is: A viral infection causing vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Common signs: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, low fever.
- Home care: small sips of fluids, oral rehydration, rest; wash hands well.
- Red flags: dehydration, blood in stool, severe belly pain, symptoms lasting long or worsening.
- Prevention: handwashing, safe food handling, stay home when sick.
MedlinePlus – Gastroenteritis
12) Food Poisoning
What it is: Illness from contaminated food (bacteria, viruses, or toxins).
- Common signs: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever (sometimes).
- Home care: hydration is priority; rest; seek care if symptoms are severe.
- Red flags: dehydration, high fever, blood in stool, severe weakness, symptoms in very young kids.
- Prevention: cook foods safely, clean hands, chill leftovers.
CDC – Food Safety
MedlinePlus – Food Poisoning
13) Constipation
What it is: Hard, infrequent, or painful bowel movements.
- Common signs: tummy pain, hard stools, straining, fewer bowel movements.
- Home care: water, fiber foods, movement, regular bathroom time.
- Red flags: severe pain, vomiting, blood in stool, no stool for many days with worsening symptoms.
- Prevention: fiber + fluids + activity routine.
MedlinePlus – Constipation
14) Acne
What it is: Common teen skin condition linked to hormones and clogged pores.
- Common signs: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin.
- Home care: gentle cleansing, avoid picking, give treatments time; severe cases may need a clinician.
- Red flags: painful cysts, scarring, major emotional distress.
- Prevention: gentle routine, non-comedogenic products.
MedlinePlus – Acne
15) Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
What it is: Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can flare up.
- Common signs: itchy patches, dryness, redness.
- Home care: moisturize, gentle soaps, avoid triggers; clinician may suggest treatments.
- Red flags: infected-looking skin (oozing, severe redness), fever with skin infection signs.
- Prevention: daily moisturizing, trigger tracking.
MedlinePlus – Eczema
16) Ringworm (Tinea)
What it is: A contagious fungal skin infection (not a worm).
- Common signs: round, itchy rash; may spread.
- Home care: keep area clean/dry; antifungal treatment may be needed (ask clinician/pharmacist).
- Red flags: spreading fast, scalp involvement, not improving.
- Prevention: don’t share towels/hats; clean sports gear.
MedlinePlus – Fungal Infections (overview)
17) Impetigo
What it is: A contagious bacterial skin infection, common in kids.
- Common signs: sores that can ooze and form honey-colored crusts.
- Home care: keep clean, avoid sharing towels; medical treatment may be needed.
- Red flags: spreading rash, fever, pain, swelling.
- Prevention: handwashing, keep cuts clean, avoid scratching.
MedlinePlus Encyclopedia – Impetigo
18) Lice (Head Lice)
What it is: Tiny insects that live in hair; common in school settings.
- Common signs: itchy scalp, seeing nits (eggs) near hair roots.
- Home care: follow treatment directions carefully; wash bedding/clothing as advised.
- Red flags: scalp infection from scratching or treatment failures.
- Prevention: avoid sharing hats/brushes; head-to-head contact awareness.
CDC – Head Lice
19) Warts
What it is: Common skin growths caused by viruses; many go away over time.
- Common signs: small rough bumps on hands/feet.
- Home care: don’t pick; keep covered if irritated; treatment options exist if bothersome.
- Red flags: pain, bleeding, rapid changes, or uncertain diagnosis.
- Prevention: avoid picking; wear sandals in locker rooms/pools.
MedlinePlus – Warts
20) Sprains & Strains
What it is: Ligament (sprain) or muscle/tendon (strain) injury, common in sports.
- Common signs: pain, swelling, limited movement.
- Home care: rest, ice, gentle compression, elevation; avoid “playing through” serious pain.
- Red flags: severe swelling, inability to bear weight, deformity, numbness.
- Prevention: warm-ups, proper shoes, strength and flexibility.
MedlinePlus – Sprains and Strains
21) Minor Cuts & Scrapes
What it is: Small skin injuries that need cleaning and protection.
- Common signs: mild bleeding, skin break, stinging.
- Home care: wash hands, clean with water, cover with a bandage; watch for infection.
- Red flags: deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, fever).
- Prevention: protective gear; keep nails short to reduce infection risk from scratching.
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MedlinePlus – Wound Care
22) Nosebleeds
What it is: Common bleeding from nose lining, often from dryness or irritation.
- Common signs: bleeding from one nostril, dryness, irritation.
- Home care: sit up, lean forward, pinch soft part of nose for several minutes; keep indoor air humid.
- Red flags: heavy bleeding that won’t stop, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding with easy bruising.
- Prevention: humid air, gentle nose care, avoid picking.
MedlinePlus Encyclopedia – Nosebleed
23) Anemia (Often Iron Deficiency)
What it is: Not enough healthy red blood cells/hemoglobin to carry oxygen well.
- Common signs: tiredness, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath during activity.
- Home care: don’t self-treat blindly—ask a clinician for testing; food choices can support iron.
- Red flags: fainting, chest pain, very fast heartbeat, severe weakness.
- Prevention: balanced nutrition; address heavy menstrual bleeding if present.
MedlinePlus – Anemia
24) Anxiety / Stress Overload
What it is: When stress becomes constant and starts affecting sleep, school, or mood.
- Common signs: worry, stomach aches, headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping, avoidance.
- Home care: talk to a trusted adult, build routines, take breaks, use coping skills; counseling helps.
- Red flags: panic that feels out of control, missing school often, sudden behavior changes.
- Prevention: sleep, movement, supportive friendships, limiting overload and screen stress.
MedlinePlus – Anxiety
SAMHSA – Mental Health Resources
25) Sleep Problems (Too Little / Poor Quality Sleep)
What it is: Sleep that’s too short or not restful, leading to daytime tiredness and concentration problems.
- Common signs: falling asleep in class, irritability, headaches, trouble focusing.
- Home care: consistent bedtime, screen cutoff, morning light, reduce caffeine, calming routine.
- Red flags: loud snoring with daytime sleepiness, breathing pauses during sleep, extreme daytime sleepiness.
- Prevention: sleep hygiene habits and balanced schedules.
CDC – How Much Sleep Do I Need?
CDC – Sleep Hygiene Tips
Prevention Power List (Teen-Realistic)
- Hand hygiene: Helps prevent colds, flu, and stomach bugs.
- Vaccines: Stay up to date (including flu each season, as recommended).
- Sleep: Your immune system and brain need it.
- Hydration: Headaches and fatigue get worse when you’re dehydrated.
- Food basics: Regular meals support mood, focus, and sports energy.
- Movement: Helps stress, sleep, and long-term health.
- Trigger control: For asthma/allergies, know your triggers and your plan.
- Skin care: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen; avoid harsh scrubbing.
CDC – Immunization Schedules
CDC – Handwashing
CDC – Physical Activity
Trusted Resources (Active Links)
25-Question Check-Up Quiz (1 for Each Condition)
Quick learning check. Answers are short and practical.
- Q: What’s one way to lower the risk of catching a cold at school?
A: Wash hands often and avoid sharing drinks.
- Q: What’s a big difference between flu and a mild cold?
A: Flu often hits suddenly with fever and body aches.
- Q: What should you do if a respiratory illness causes breathing trouble?
A: Get urgent medical help.
- Q: Why don’t allergies usually cause fever?
A: Allergies are immune reactions, not infections.
- Q: What’s one sinusitis clue?
A: facial pressure with thick nasal drainage.
- Q: Why might strep throat need a clinician visit?
A: It may need testing and treatment.
- Q: What’s one common ear infection symptom?
A: ear pain and reduced hearing.
- Q: What’s a red flag with pink eye?
A: vision changes or severe eye pain.
- Q: What’s an asthma emergency sign?
A: severe breathing trouble or blue lips/face.
- Q: What’s one common headache trigger for teens?
A: poor sleep or dehydration.
- Q: What’s the biggest home-care goal with a stomach bug?
A: prevent dehydration with fluids.
- Q: What’s one food poisoning red flag?
A: dehydration or blood in stool.
- Q: What’s one constipation helper habit?
A: more water + fiber + movement.
- Q: Is acne a hygiene failure?
A: No—hormones and pores play a big role.
- Q: What helps eczema most long-term?
A: regular moisturizing and trigger control.
- Q: Ringworm is caused by what kind of germ?
A: a fungus.
- Q: Why is impetigo important to treat quickly?
A: it spreads easily to others and may need medicine.
- Q: What’s one way lice spread at school?
A: head-to-head contact or shared items.
- Q: Where do many warts show up in kids/teens?
A: hands or feet.
- Q: What’s a basic first step for a new sprain?
A: rest and ice, and avoid re-injury.
- Q: What’s one sign a scrape might be infected?
A: increasing redness, swelling, or pus.
- Q: What’s the correct nosebleed posture?
A: sit up, lean forward, pinch nose.
- Q: What’s a common anemia symptom?
A: fatigue and dizziness.
- Q: When does stress become a health issue for teens?
A: when it disrupts sleep, school, or daily life.
- Q: What’s one strong sleep habit for teens?
A: consistent bedtime with a screen cutoff.
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TeenThreads Final Word
Most school-age and teen health problems are manageable — but you never have to guess alone.
When symptoms disrupt life, repeat often, or feel scary, getting help is a strength move.
Remember!
Being healthy isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about noticing patterns, learning what helps, and getting support early.
Your body is building your future. Treat it with respect.
Last updated: February 6, 2026
TeenThreads note: This page is curated for teens and school-age kids. For urgent symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical help.
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