Infectious Disease
Treatment for Local and Travel Infections
Pediatric infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, funguses, parasites or other infections in your child’s body. They can occur in children who have complex medical conditions or those who were previously healthy. Infectious diseases can be contracted many miles from home or right in a child's neighborhood.
The most common conditions infectious disease specialists treat include:
- Fungal infections
- Mononucleosis
- Skin infections, like MRSA
- Lyme disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Persistent fever
- Meningitis
- Infections around surgery scars or near prosthetics
With modern technology, many infectious diseases in children can be prevented with a vaccination or treated with antibiotics. Some of these conditions are harder to treat because some children have weaker immune systems. We carefully evaluate a patient’s condition to find a treatment that will completely eradicate the infection as quickly as possible.
Prevention
Many infectious diseases are spread through germs that children pick up every day. The best way to prevent infectious diseases is by hand-washing frequently during the day. Teach your child to wash their hands after using the bathroom, blowing his nose, sneezing or coughing. Your child should also resist touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
The most common places germs live are:
- Doorknobs
- Television remotes
- Faucets
- Light switches
- Microwaves
- Computer keyboards
- Toilet handles
- Telephones
Children can easily pick up viruses and bacteria that can cause infectious diseases from these surfaces. Germs can also be spread through coughing, sneezing or sharing drinks.
Your child should be up-to-date on their immunizations. Children usually bring the flu into their households and should receive an influenza vaccination once a year. By vaccinating your children, you will protect the rest of your family from the flu.
Overseas Travel
Pediatric infectious disease specialists can give your family information about preparing for travel overseas. Some countries have different diseases than we do, so your child may not have the right vaccinations to protect him. These doctors can protect your child against diseases like typhoid, rabies, hepatitis and meningococcal disease.
