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
Parents cut kids' calories when menus are labeled

January 24, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When restaurant menus list calories, parents will limit how much fast food their kids eat, a new report suggests.

One-fifth of US teens have unhealthy cholesterol

January 21, 2010 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One in five American teens has unhealthy cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease in adults, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday.

Flu vaccine additive boosts wide protection

January 20, 2010 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A vaccine additive made by Novartis and used in its European influenza shots can boost the body's immune response to a wide range of viruses, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health