Common Infections

A guide to common infections affecting children, including chickenpox, hepatitis, hand foot mouth disease, scarlet fever and many more.

To understand why your child has such frequent infections and seems like he is always sick, it can help to understand how infections are transmitted. Except for blood transmission, children are at high risk of catching illnesses caused by the methods described below because they are always putting their hands and other objects into their mouths. Also, younger children have not had the chance to build up a strong immunity to these common infections.

Infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites and your child will get an infection from one of these agents if your child is not immune and he comes into contact with someone who already has an infection. Some infections require that you come into direct contact with the infection for it to be contagious. These include impetigo, scabies, lice, chickenpox, cold sores, ringworm and pinkeye. Frequent handwashing and keeping infected areas covered can help prevent spread of these illnesses.

To prevent infections in your child, you should teach children and care providers to practice frequent handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. You should frequently wash toys and make sure your floor and other objects in the home are clean. Always wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with or caring for animals. This is especially important before eating or handling food. Don’t kiss your pet.

Meningitis - Meningitis means inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.....

Influenza - If your child begins to experience respiratory distress or dehydration, contact your pediatrician immediately....

Chicken Pox - Chicken pox is a common disease caused by the varicella zoster virus which is a member of the herpes virus family...

Conjunctivitis - Its commonly known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. ....

Hepatitis - Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and can result in liver cell damage and destruction.

Diarrhea - Diarrhea is loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day. It usually goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. Victims of diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day.

Tetanus - Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease that affects the body's muscles and nerves. It typically arises from a skin wound that becomes contaminated by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil.

Tuberculosis - Tuberculosis (popularly known as "TB") is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly infects the lungs, although it can affect other organs as well.

Measles - Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases.

Tonsillitis - The tonsils' job is to catch germs before they cause infections in the throat, mouth, or sinuses....

Middle Ear Infections - The middle ear is the space, usually filled with air, behind the eardrum. ....

Appendicitis - The appendix is a small structure that is attached to the large intestine and serves an unknown purpose....

Cellulitis - Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. The infection usually involves the face, or the arms and legs....

Mumps - Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands — one of three pairs of salivary glands,....

Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or chemical irritants....

Impetigo - Impetigo is a skin infection caused by Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria....

Roseola - Roseola is an infection caused by a virus. The infection is common in children aged 6 to 24 months....

Sinusitis - Sinuses are moist air spaces within the bones of the face around the nose....