Infections

 

Fighting infectious diseases today is much easier than in the past. With proper hygiene and proper precautions, in addition to numerous vaccines and rapidly advancing medical technology, people are better equipped than ever to avoid getting sick.

Prevention is the key to fighting many infectious diseases. Part of preventing the spread of an infectious disease includes the following:

  • proper hand washing techniques
  • taking certain precautions, depending on the disease
  • following the nationally recommended immunization schedule for children and adults
  • taking medications correctly

Even with proper prevention, sometimes, a disease is unavoidable. Some reasons may include the following:

  • evolution of drug-resistant strains of a disease
  • changes in a person's environment
  • increased travel
  • inappropriate use of prescription drugs
  • lack of attention to proper personal hygiene

Some infectious conditions are fairly common in childhood and may require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Latest Kids' Health News
HIV drugs not linked with child psychiatric problems

February 7, 2012 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - Drugs used to treat children infected with the virus that causes AIDS do not appear to increase the risk of psychiatric problems in children, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Child abuse experts calls for US campaign

February 5, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Nearly 4,600 U.S. children were hospitalized with broken bones, traumatic brain injury and other serious damage caused by physical abuse in 2006, according to a new report.

Many kids still exposed to secondhand smoke in cars

February 5, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new government study reports that while fewer kids and teens are getting exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in the car, rates of exposure are still high enough to warrant concern.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health