Infectious Diseases in Children

Introduction

The most common infectious diseases in children are bacterial meningitis and pneumonia, with the bacteria causing ear infections coming in second. There are several other types of infectious diseases that can affect children, including mumps, whooping cough, and diarrhea.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes soreness in the throat and fever. It can also cause swollen glands, which are common symptoms of strep throat as well.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away:

• Sore Throat

• Fever (more than 39°C)

• Swollen Glands

Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis is a condition in which the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. The inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and fever.

The symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

• High fever (over 101°F) with headache, neck pain and stiff neck

• Nausea or vomiting

• Severe headache that makes it hard to think clearly or concentrate on tasks

If you suspect your child has meningitis, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment options vary depending on age but may include antibiotics such as penicillin or cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin), antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), corticosteroids like prednisone if they’re needed to control swelling caused by an infection within the brain itself; blood products such as plasma transfusions may also be given if there’s bleeding inside one’s skull space due to injury caused by meningitis.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache and nausea followed by vomiting. The disease can be fatal if not treated with medication or hospitalized for severe cases.

Hepatitis A B C

Hepatitis A

Infectious hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. It can be spread through contaminated food or water, especially if you’re traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common. Symptoms may include;

• Sore throat

• Fatigue (feeling tired)

• Fever

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. It can be found in the nose and on the skin, but it does not usually cause infections in people who are not in close contact with someone with an infection.

People who have had MRSA infections include:

• People who have been in hospitals or nursing homes

• People who have had surgery

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs caused by a virus or bacteria. It can be life-threatening, especially for young children, who are at greater risk of complications from pneumonia.

Pneumonia is most common in children younger than 2 years old, but it can also occur among older children and adults who have certain conditions that make them more susceptible to developing the disease.

Symptoms include:

• high fever (over 105 degrees Fahrenheit) with chills, night sweats, cough and shortness of breath; or

• some combination of these symptoms plus another symptom such as worsening breathlessness or nausea/vomiting.

Mononucleosis (Mono)

Mono is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. It’s spread through saliva or mucus. Mono is most common in teenagers and young adults, but it can happen at any age.

Mono can be serious for people with weakened immune systems because some of the symptoms may not disappear for weeks or months after you get rid of the virus. For example:

• You may experience frequent colds that don’t go away even with treatment.

• You may develop sores inside your mouth (herpes simplex).

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the deer tick, which can be found in wooded areas and grassy fields. The tick attaches itself to a person’s skin and sucks their blood, which causes Lyme disease symptoms. Symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue; they may also experience muscle aches or swelling of the joints or muscles.

Treatment involves taking antibiotics every day for at least two weeks after infection occurs (this is called “treatment” because it helps you fight off this disease). Antibiotics do not cure your condition but they can help prevent future infections from occurring.”

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious disease that causes a bright red rash. The bacteria that causes it, Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A Streptococcus), usually starts with a sore throat and fever. It can cause a wide range of symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The rash usually appears on the chest or neck first; however there are some children who will have this first on their hands or feet before spreading out to other parts of the body during an illness which lasts between five days to eight weeks in most cases but may be longer if left untreated.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in young children. They can be painful, and they can cause hearing loss if they’re left untreated.

Infection is the most common reason for an ear infection to develop. You may notice that your child has a red or swollen inner ear, which is also called otitis media (OM). The outer part of this organ is called the auricle (ear-ohr’-kuhl). Ear infections are easily treated with antibiotics because they affect both the middle and inner ear at once.

To prevent reoccurrence of OM:

• Clean your child’s ears regularly using warm running water from a faucet or by using cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol; never clean with soap unless directed to do so by your doctor.* Don’t share headphones or ear buds.* Don’t give aspirin-based acetaminophen products like Tylenol® to children under 12 years old without first talking with their parents about it.

Infectious Diseases in Children

Infectious diseases are those that are caused by germs. A disease is considered infectious if it can be passed from one person to another, even if they don’t get sick themselves. Some of the most common types of infectious diseases in children include:

• Flu (influenza)

• Pneumonia

• Diarrhea

Conclusion

Infectious diseases are always a concern for parents and teachers. Children are more susceptible to illness because they have fewer built-in defenses and can be very sick. Infection is a major cause of death for children under 5 years old, but there’s plenty you can do to keep your child safe from infectious diseases.