Infections

Articles In This Section

• Zika Virus

  A to Z: Zika Virus Zika is a virus that a person can get from being bitten by an infected mosquito. The virus is of particular concern for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant. More to Know Usually, symptoms of Zika virus are mild and include fever, rash, joint pain, and pinkeye. Often…

• Frequently Asked Questions About Immunizations

  Immunizations have protected millions of children from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about immunizations and find out exactly what they do - and what they don't.

• Flu Center

  Learn all about protecting your family from the flu and what to do if your child gets flu-like symptoms.

• A Cold or Allergies: Which Is It?

  Is it a cold or allergies? Find out what the experts have to say.

• Ebola

  Many people are concerned about Ebola, but there's no reason to panic. When people with Ebola are correctly diagnosed, isolated, and cared for, the risk of passing the disease to others is low.

• How to Safely Give Acetaminophen

  What kind? How much? How often? Find out how to give this pain and fever medicine.

• Hib Disease (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b)

  Hib disease can cause serious illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia. To protect kids from this bacterial infection, they should receive the Hib vaccine as infants.

• Typhoid Fever

  While typhoid fever isn't common in the U.S., it can be a health threat elsewhere. Learn about this illness and how to prevent it.

• Dengue Fever

  You're not at risk of this illness in the U.S., but if you live in or are traveling to a tropical country it's wise to take precautions against this virus.

• How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis A Vaccine (HAV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Chickenpox Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine (MMR)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Polio Vaccine (IPV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hib Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV, PPSV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)

  Find out when and why your child needs this vaccine.

• Cholera

  While cholera isn't common in the U.S., it can be a health threat elsewhere. Learn about cholera and how to prevent it.

• Abscess

  An abscess is a sign of an infection, usually on the skin. Find out what to do if your child develops one.

• Peritonsillar Abscess

  Older kids and teens with tonsilitis sometimes develop this painful abscess, a pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth.

• Acanthosis Nigricans

  Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.

• Pityriasis Rosea

  This harmless rash often forms a telltale "Christmas tree" pattern on the back that makes it easy to identify.

• Tapeworm

  Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they're usually easy to treat.

• Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

  Got flakes? Most cases of dandruff don't require a visit to a doctor's office. Treat them at home with special, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.

• Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis)

  This harmless condition - the infant form of dandruff - causes rough, scaly patches on a baby's skin.

• Chiggers

  Chiggers are tiny red mites whose bites aren't painful but do cause intense itching shortly after the bite occurs.

• Food Poisoning

  Sometimes, germs can get into food and cause food poisoning. Find out what to do if your child gets food poisoning - and how to prevent it.

• Shingles

  Shingles isn't very common in kids - it mostly affects older people. Find out what causes shingles, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your child has it.

• Paronychia

  Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Most of the time, it's not serious and can be treated at home. Learn what causes it, what to do, and how to prevent it.

• Styes

  A stye is a backed-up oil gland in the eyelid. Styes are usually easy to get rid of.

• Bedbugs

  Bedbugs have people on high alert, checking mattresses and furniture for telltale signs of these irritating, hard-to-control pests. Here's what to look for and how to deal with them.

• E. Coli

  Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection marked by severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect your family.

• MRSA

  MRSA is a type of bacteria that the usual antibiotics can't tackle anymore. Simple precautions can help protect your kids from becoming infected.

• Hives (Urticaria)

  Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.

• Ears

  Hearing may be the ears' main job, but it's not all they do. Learn all about the ears in this Body Basics article.

• How Many Doses of Flu Vaccine Does My Child Need?

  Knowing the doctor-recommended flu vaccination schedule can be confusing. Use this tool to help you understand how many doses your child needs.

• Can Chronic Ear Infections Cause Long-Term Hearing Loss?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What Is “PANS”?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Molluscum Contagiosum

  Molluscum contagiosum is a common wart-like viral skin infection. For most children, the rash is no big deal and goes away on its own over time.

• Walking Pneumonia

  Many kids with this milder version of pneumonia feel well enough to go to school. But it's important to keep kids home until after treatment kicks in and symptoms improve.

• Osteomyelitis

  Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by germs entering the body's tissues through an open wound. The easiest way to prevent it is to practice good hygiene.

• Toxic Synovitis

  Read about this temporary inflammation of the hip joint that affects young children.

• Vitiligo

  While vitiligo might make your child self-conscious, this skin condition is not medically dangerous. Kids with vitiligo are as healthy as other kids.

• Erythema Multiforme

  By the looks of the "bulls-eye" marks this rash leaves on the skin, you might think it's cause for concern. But erythema multiforme clears up on its own within a few weeks.

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

  This common illness spreads easily in daycare centers and other places where young kids congregate. Learn how to protect your child.

• Smallpox

  If you're wondering what smallpox is and why people sometimes worry about it, get the facts here.

• Cold Sores

  Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own.

• Mumps

  Mumps is a virus that can lead to swelling and pain in the salivary glands, along with fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue. With the help of the mumps vaccine, it's preventable.

• Is it a Medical Emergency?

  Should you head straight for the emergency room when your child is hurt? Different problems require different levels of care, and you have many options.

• Diarrhea

  Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.

• Oral Thrush

  Oral thrush, a very common infection in infants that causes irritation in and around the baby's mouth, often goes away on its own without medical treatment.

• Vaginal Yeast Infections

  Vaginal yeast infections are common among growing girls, and can cause some pain and discomfort. They usually clear up quickly with proper medical treatment.

• Diaper Rash

  Diaper rash is a very common infection that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, scaly, and tender. In most cases, it clears up with simple changes in diapering.

• Mononucleosis

  Mononucleosis - or "mono" - is an infection that produces flu-like symptoms, and usually goes away on its own in a few weeks with the help of plenty of fluids and rest.

• Flying and Your Child’s Ears

  That weird ear-popping sensation is a normal part of air travel. Here's how to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears and eliminate, or at least decrease, ear pain.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

  Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection transmitted by ticks. Find out more about it - including how to prevent it.

• Mad Cow Disease

  Mad cow disease has been in the headlines - but what is it, and how likely is it that your family will be affected by it?

• Infections That Pets Carry

  Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it's important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.

• West Nile Virus

  The threat of West Nile virus has made getting a mosquito bite a cause for concern. What is West Nile virus, and what can you do to prevent it?

• Immunization Schedule

  Which vaccines does your child need to receive and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that may cause severe symptoms, minor symptoms, or no symptoms at all.

• Tonsillitis

  Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection, causes sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and trouble swallowing.

• Malaria

  Malaria is a common infection in hot, tropical areas but can also occur (rarely) in temperate climates. Malaria is a leading cause of death worldwide but if diagnosed early and treated, it can be cured.

• Shigella Infections

  Shigella are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract and cause a wide range of symptoms, from diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, and nausea, to more serious complications and illnesses.

• Syphilis

  Syphilis is an STD that, if it goes untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

• HIV and AIDS

  Parents who are well informed about how to prevent HIV and who talk with their kids regularly about healthy behaviors, feelings, and sexuality play an important part in HIV/AIDS prevention.

• Rabies

  Rabies is a serious infection of the nervous system that is caused by a virus. Rabies is usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal.

• STDs

  In many ways teens today are growing up faster than ever. That's why it's important to talk to your child about sex, particularly sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

  Pertussis is characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a whooping sound when the person breathes in. It can be prevented with the pertussis vaccine, part of the DTaP immunization.

• Toxic Shock Syndrome

  Toxic shock syndrome is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS is a medical emergency - symptoms include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches.

• Pneumonia

  Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs, most commonly viruses. Read about the various types of pneumonia.

• Chickenpox

  It's most common in kids under age 12, but anyone can get chickenpox. The good news is that a vaccine can prevent most cases.

• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

  Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading.

• Hepatitis

  Hepatitis is most commonly caused by one of three viruses. In its early stages, hepatitis may cause flu-like symptoms.

• Croup

  Croup is characterized by a loud cough that resembles the barking of a seal and difficulty breathing. Most cases of croup are caused by viruses, are mild, and can be treated at home.

• Sinusitis

  Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are common and easily treated.

• Tetanus

  Tetanus (also called lockjaw) is a preventable disease that affects the muscles and nerves, usually due to a contaminated wound.

• Appendicitis

  Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention, so it's important to know its symptoms. The earlier it's caught, the easier it will be to treat.

• Cat Scratch Disease

  Cat scratch disease is an infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes after a cat scratch or bite. Learn about signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment, and more.

• Genital Herpes

  Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that's usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

• Adenovirus

  Adenoviruses account for about 10% of acute respiratory infections in kids and are a frequent cause of diarrhea.

• Urine Tests

  Is your child having a urine culture or urinalysis performed? Find out why urine tests are performed, and what to expect when the doctor orders them.

• Lyme Disease

  Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease in kids is almost always treatable.

• Salmonella Infections

  Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria salmonella. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and headache.

• Roseola

  Roseola is a viral illness that usually affects kids between 6 months and 3 years old. Learn its signs and symptoms when to call the doctor.

• Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family?

  The flu itself generally isn't dangerous, but its complications can be. That's why it's important for you and your doctor to determine whether your family can and should get the flu vaccine.

• Influenza (Flu)

  Flu symptoms tend to develop quickly and are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and stuffiness of a cold. Yearly vaccination is the best protection against the flu.

• Chlamydia

  Chlamydia is an STD caused by bacteria. It's important to know the symptoms, as treatment can prevent the infection from leading to other health problems.

• Bronchiolitis

  Bronchiolitis is a common illness of the respiratory tract caused by an infection that affects tiny airways - the bronchioles - that lead to the lungs.

• Measles

  Measles is best known for the skin rash it causes. Although rare, outbreaks can happen. Getting your kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from this disease.

• Scabies

  Scabies is an infestation that affects the skin, and is caused by a mite that burrows into the top layer of skin. It most often causes itching, which may be worse at night or after a hot bath.

• Tinea (Ringworm, Jock Itch, Athlete’s Foot)

  Jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm are all types of fungal skin infections known collectively as tinea. Most are easily preventable and treatable.

• Pneumocystis Pneumonia

  Pneumocystis pneumonia can affect infants who have AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that affect the immune system.

• Common Cold

  With kids getting up to eight colds a year, this contagious viral infection is the most common infectious disease in the United States and the top reason kids visit the doctor and miss school.

• Strep Throat

  Strep throat is a common cause of sore throat in kids and teens. It usually requires treatment with antibiotics, but improves in a few days.

• Staph Infections

  When skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. But good hygiene can prevent many staph infections. Learn more.

• Scarlet Fever

  Scarlet fever is an illness with a characteristic rash that is caused by a strep infection. Learn important facts about scarlet fever in this article for parents, including how to recognize its symptoms.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus

  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of this contagious infection.

• Meningitis

  Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) is treatable, but can be serious. So it's important to know the symptoms and get prompt diagnosis and treatment.

• Listeria Infections

  Listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with a bacterium, primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. Some simple precautions can protect your family from infection.

• Encephalitis

  Encephalitis is a rare brain inflammation caused by a virus. The best way to avoid encephalitis is to prevent the illnesses that may lead to it.

• Coxsackievirus Infections

  Coxsackievirus infections can spread from person to person. In most cases, the viruses cause mild flu-like symptoms, but can lead to more serious infections.

• Rubella (German Measles)

  Rubella infection, or German measles, usually is a mild disease in kids that can be prevented with vaccination. Its primary medical danger is to pregnant women because it can affect developing babies.

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

  This virus poses few risks to healthy kids, but can cause serious health problems in unborn babies and kids with a weak immune system.

• Basic Blood Chemistry Tests

  Doctors order basic blood chemistry tests to assess a wide range of conditions and the function of organs.

• Middle Ear Infections and Ear Tube Surgery

  Many kids get middle ear infections (otitis media). Doctors may suggest ear tube surgery for those with multiple infections or a hearing loss or speech delay.

• Blood Culture

  A blood culture is a test to determine whether bacteria or fungi have entered the bloodstream.

• Strep Test: Throat Culture

  Is your child having a strep test or a throat culture? Find out how these swab tests are performed.

• Yersiniosis

  Yersiniosis is an uncommon infection caused by the consumption of undercooked meat products, unpasteurized milk, or water contaminated by the bacteria.

• Warts

  Many of us have had a wart somewhere on our bodies at some time. But other than being a nuisance, most warts are harmless.

• Too Late for the Flu Vaccine?

  The flu vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November. Even though it's best to get it then, being vaccinated later can still help protect against the flu.

• Urinary Tract Infections

  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids, but often can be prevented. Early detection and treatment are key.

• Tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis (TB) is making a comeback in the United States today - particularly among the homeless, those in prison, and those rendered susceptible because of HIV infection.

• Trichomoniasis

  Trichomoniasis (also referred to as "trich") is a sexually transmitted disease. Because symptoms sometimes never appear, it's important to prevent infection.

• Toxoplasmosis

  Toxoplasmosis is an infection that passes from animals to humans, sometimes without causing any symptoms. Learn more about this infection in this article for parents.

• Toxocariasis

  Toxocara are common parasites of dogs and cats. When they infect humans, the illness is called toxocariasis.

• Stool Tests

  Your child's doctor may order a stool collection test to check for blood, bacteria, ova, or parasites. Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

• Rotavirus

  Rotavirus infection affects most kids and is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. A vaccine to prevent it is now recommended for all kids.

• Reye Syndrome

  Reye syndrome, an extremely rare but serious illness that can affect the brain and liver, occurs most commonly in kids recovering from a viral infection. Cases have dropped dramatically since the finding of a link between the illness and aspirin use in children.

• Pubic Lice

  Pubic lice are six-legged creatures that infest the hair in the pubic area. Pubic lice infestation is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can be contracted in other ways.

• Polio

  Polio is a contagious, historically devastating disease that was virtually eliminated from the Western hemisphere in the second half of the 20th century thanks to widespread vaccination.

• Pinworm

  Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. But pinworms don't cause any harm (just itching), and it won't take long to get rid of them.

• Blood Test: Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel

  Liver function tests can help doctors determine if the liver has been damaged. They also can help diagnose viral infections (such as hepatitis or mononucleosis) and monitor medications that can cause liver-related side effects.

• Infant Botulism

  Infant botulism can occur when a newborn ingests bacteria that produce toxins inside the body. It's very rare and most babies who do get botulism recover fully.

• Impetigo

  Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. It's one of the most common skin infections among kids.

• Helicobacter pylori

  H. pylori bacteria can cause digestive illnesses, including gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

• Head Lice

  Lice aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease, but they are contagious, annoying, and sometimes hard to get rid of. Learn more about this common childhood problem and how to get rid of those pesky little bugs.

• Gonorrhea

  Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and experts believe that hundreds of thousands of cases go undetected and untreated because the infection does not always have noticeable symptoms.

• Giardiasis

  Giardiasis, one of the chief causes of diarrhea in the United States, is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite.

• Genital Warts

  Genital warts, contracted through sexual contact, are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the most common STDs.

• Fifth Disease

  Especially common in kids between the ages of 5 and 15, fifth disease is a viral illness that produces a distinctive red rash on the face, body, arms, and legs.

• Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

  Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal caused by many types of bacteria or fungi. Find out how to prevent it.

• Diphtheria

  Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that's rare in the United States, where health officials immunize kids against it. But it's still common in developing countries where immunizations aren't given routinely.

• Blood Test: Complete Blood Count

  The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Cellulitis

  Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues that can affect any area of the body. It begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch.

• Campylobacter Infections

  These bacterial infections can cause diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. Good hand-washing and food safety habits can prevent them.

• Ascariasis

  Ascariasis is an intestinal infection that occurs when the eggs of a parasitic roundworm are ingested. Read about signs and symptoms, treatment, and tips for prevention.

• Amebiasis

  Amebiasis is an intestinal illness transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that's contaminated with a microscopic parasite.

• Middle Ear Infections

  Ear infections are common among kids and, often, painful. Find out what causes them and how they're treated.

• Your Child’s Immunizations

  Immunizations protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

• Eczema

  Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Fortunately, more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers.

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Related Conditions

  Recurrent urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if left untreated, especially in kids under age 6. Here's how to recognize the symptom of UTIs and get help for your child.

• Is It a Cold or the Flu?

  Your child is sent home from school with a sore throat, cough, and high fever - could it be the flu that's been going around? Or is it just a common cold? Find out here!

• Fever and Taking Your Child’s Temperature

  Although it can be frightening when your child's temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing - it's often the body's way of fighting infections.

• Neonatal Infections

  The vast majority of newborns enter the world healthy. But sometimes, infants develop conditions that require medical tests and treatment.