Bacterial & Viral 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…

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Peritonsillar Abscess

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

• 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.

• 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.

• What Is “PANS”?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• Tonsillitis

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Middle Ear Infections

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

• 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.

• 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.