The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal infections, which are caused by bacteria. The bactera spread through person-to-person contact and can cause such serious infections as pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis. PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria (the types that cause …
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Your Child’s Immunizations: Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Polio is a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis. Immunization Schedule The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Though the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is still used in many parts of the world, it has not been …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus is a common virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Immunization Schedule The vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth, is recommended at ages 2 and 4 months, and again at 6 months, depending on …
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common condition that can make a baby’s skin sore, red, scaly, and tender. Most cases will clear up up with simple changes in diapering. Causes Usually, diaper rash is the result of an irritation, infection, or allergy. Irritation. A baby’s skin can get irritated when a diaper is …
Infections That Pets Carry
Caring for pets is a great learning experience for kids, teaching them responsibility, gentleness, and respect for other living beings. Like adults, kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with their pets. But animals and pets can spread infections to humans, especially kids. So if you’re …
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, a microscopic fungus that lives in the lungs of many people. About PCP PCP is a rare disease in healthy people. However, it can be serious in those who have AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that weaken the immune system. …
Tinea (Ringworm, Jock Itch, Athlete’s Foot)
For active kids, locker-room showers and heaps of sweaty clothes are part of their everyday lives — and so is the risk of getting fungal skin infections. Jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm are all types of fungal skin infections known collectively as tinea. They’re caused by fungi called dermatophytes that …
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
About Pinkeye Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Pinkeye can be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread quickly. But it’s fairly common …
Styes
As health problems go, a stye is usually no more than a minor annoyance. If your child develops one, you can probably treat it at home. About Styes A stye is a red, painful bump on the eyelid, caused by a backed-up oil gland. Styes can appear on either the …
Can Chronic Ear Infections Cause Long-Term Hearing Loss?
My daughter has had one ear infection after another. When she gets an infection, she seems to have trouble hearing, but with medicine it always gets better. Still, I’m worried that these infections could lead to permanent hearing loss somewhere down the line. Could this happen? – Yasmine Ear infections …