Babies are more prone to infections than adults because their immune systems are still maturing, and they haven’t come in contact with as many germs, yet.
The Silver Lining: Every time a child comes down with an illness, they build up their immunity to that particular bug.
Children (and Adults) are Susceptible to 4 Main TYPES of Infections. These Include:
1. Viruses: Viruses are the most common disease-causing culprits in children. While there are several vaccines and a few anti-viral medications that protect against viruses, antibiotics don’t work against them. Therefore, the standard prescription for viral illnesses is “supportive care,” which basically means the parents try to keep their baby comfy and hydrated until the virus runs its course.
2. Bacteria: Bacterial infections are the second most-common-disease-causing culprit. Luckily, bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
3. Fungi: Fungi are happiest in dark, damp places (such as a diaper) and tend to cause rashes. They can generate more serious infections in people with weakened immune systems.
4. Parasites: Parasites use our bodies as a host. They’re like the houseguest who never wants to leave.
Note: Infections due to viruses and bacteria are more common than infections due to parasites and fungi.
The Good News:
- You can take precautions to protect yourself and your family against germs.
- Not all germs are bad. For example, there are “good” bacteria that live in our guts, and “indifferent” bacteria that hang out on our skin.
- We have developed antibiotics to combat many bacterial infections.
The Not-So-Good News:
- As mentioned above, antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
- Germs are not as dumb as they look (actually, you can’t even see them). How So? They mutate to outsmart our medicines.
‘Tis the Season:
Different viruses rear their ugly heads at different times of year. This is why we have a cold & flu season and why doctors are on the lookout for specific viruses during the spring and summer months. Below are a few of the common offenders seen during the different seasons.
Fall:
- Rhinovirus. This virus causes the common cold.
- Parainfluenza Virus. This is the #1 cause of croup, a respiratory illness that causes a “barking” cough in young kids.
Winter:
- Rotavirus. Rotavirus is a stomach virus that causes bad diarrhea. There are two oral vaccines (Rotateq and Rotarix) that protect babies against Rotavirus.
- The Influenza A and B Viruses. These viruses cause the flu.
- The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is known for causing bronchiolitis, another respiratory illness seen in babies and toddlers.
Insider Info:
- Although Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV peak in the winter, they emerge in the fall and linger through the spring.
Spring:
- Parainfluenza Virus (Again) – thanks a lot!
- Varicella (the chickenpox virus).
Summer:
- Enteroviruses. These viruses cause a variety of infections. For example, coxsackievirus A16 causes hand, foot, and mouth disease (a disease that’s notorious for causing high fevers in young children plus red spots inside their mouths and on the palms of their hands & soles of their feet).
The Bottom Line
Infections, especially viral infections, are common and help build up kids’ immunity. Doctors know the different types of bugs (and their seasonality) and use this information to guide them in the diagnosis and management of the various illnesses they see in children.
