What’s the only thing that’s worse than being sick? Your child being sick. When your child is feeling unwell, its difficult on the whole family. And unlike adults, babies and young children can’t properly vocalize the pain they’re experiencing, making it even more difficult to understand how you can help to ease their discomfort.
Types of Pediatric Infections
Ear Infection
Children (especially children between the ages of two and four) are more likely than adults to develop ear infections because the anatomy of their ears at this age allow for bacteria to more easily enter the middle ear. Ear infections are not contagious, but the colds that typically accompany them can be. Swimmer’s ear (formally known as otitis externa) is also a common ear infection that plagues children.
Eye Infection
The most common types of eye infections include pink eye (which can be viral, bacterial, or allergic), a sty, a blocked tear duct, and a scratched cornea. Bacterial and viral pink eye is contagious, so it’s important to maintain proper hand washing and good hygiene while you’re treating your child.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Since babies and young children can’t communicate how they feel, it’s important to pay attention to signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections. Symptoms include urine that has a strange smell, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a fever not caused by another known illness.
Skin Infection
While chickenpox is probably the most widely known skin infection and rashes to affect children, Fifth’s disease, ringworm, and impetigo are also very common among kids. To protect your kids against chickenpox, there are vaccinations available.
