The Scariest Illnesses of Our Childhood

The silver lining to these childhood diseases: moms typically loosened up on house rules and allowed ginger ale and cinnamon toast in bed.

By: Karen Springen

November 4, 2011

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Source: Getty Images

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Childhood illness: scarlet fever

Who can forget when Beth March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women contracted scarlet fever? Before she died from the disease, which causes throat infection and rash, she set down her “heavy” sewing needle. Today antibiotics can kill the bacteria that causes the disease and its complications, including rheumatic fever. Weeping here in the 1933 film based on the book, the March women are (from left) Katharine Hepburn (Jo), Spring Byington (Marmee), Jean Parker (Beth, before her untimely demise), Joan Bennett (Amy), and France Dee (Meg).

For more stories about healthy families, read:

How to Ditch the Fat Family Diet

The Secrets to Family Happiness

What Parents Need to Know About Kids and Drugs

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