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Children have weak immune systems thus they are prone to various diseases due to this factor together with the fact that in school or daycare centres they are in constant proximity to acquiring infections, preventive measures become important. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific infection but may include fever, cough, rash, diarrhoea and fatigue. Preventive measures encompass immunisation, personal hygiene such as regular hand washing and sneezing into elbow or tissue paper, and avoiding close contact with ill individuals. Early disease detection and treatment at paediatric infectious disease treatment in Bhubaneswar is crucial to prevent further complications, making it important for prompt diagnosis of the disease.
Paediatric infectious diseases are concerned with childhood ailments caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These conditions range from common colds and ear infections to more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and chickenpox. Paediatricians specialise in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases amongst children often working closely with an infectious disease specialist when needed. Proper care and prevention strategies can help manage most paediatric infectious diseases effectively hence promoting healthy growth among children.
Common paediatric infectious diseases include:
Respiratory infections (common cold, influenza, pneumonia)
Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain)
Skin infections (rashes, sores, skin redness and tenderness)
Vaccine-preventable diseases (mumps, measles, rubella)
Paediatric infectious diseases can spread through various routes, including respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing), faecal-oral transmission (ingestion of contaminated food or water), direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces, and vector-borne transmission (e.g., mosquito bites for diseases like malaria or dengue fever).
Paediatric infectious disease diagnosis is often based on clinical evaluation, which may involve laboratory tests like blood tests, urine tests, throat swabs, stool cultures, and imaging studies. In some instances, however, specialist diagnostic tests may be required, including serological testing for specific pathogens or polymerase chain reaction tests.
You should seek medical attention for your child if you witness any of the following symptoms:
High fever
Runny nose
Sore throat
Rash
Difficulties in breathing
Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea, which leads to dehydration
Excessive fatigue
Confusion
Seizures
There is an overlap in many symptoms of viral and bacterial infections. Thus, differentiation is challenging. Patients with bacterial infections may have a high temperature, severe pain, or a cough. Symptoms such as coughing, colds, and tiredness are more common for viral infections. Laboratory examinations from healthcare providers help to differentiate the two.
Vaccines are crucial in preventing paediatric infectious diseases by stimulating the body's immune response to produce antibodies against specific pathogens. This helps the immune system recognise and fight off the pathogens if the child is exposed to them in the future. Vaccines have greatly reduced the incidence of many serious infectious diseases and have saved countless lives.
The severity of the particular paediatric infectious disease determines the course of treatment. It might involve antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals), supportive care (including rest, fluids, and fever control), and, in certain situations, antiparasitic drugs. Vaccines are also necessary to prevent a large number of paediatric infectious diseases.
Paediatric infectious diseases typically affect infants, young children, and adolescents more frequently because of developing immune systems, higher exposure in creche or school settings, and risky behaviours like placing things in their mouths.
Children with infectious diseases must drink enough water, especially if they are feverish, vomiting, or have diarrhoea. Maintaining energy levels can be facilitated by promoting small, frequent meals that are simple to digest. It can be helpful to stick to water or oral rehydration treatments instead of sugary or caffeinated beverages.
Prevention strategies for paediatric infectious diseases include:
Practising good hygiene (such as hand washing and covering the mouth while coughing and sneezing)
Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
Ensuring a clean and safe environment
Promoting a healthy lifestyle (such as a balanced diet and regular exercise)
Complications vary depending on the specific infectious disease but can include dehydration, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, sepsis, and long-term sequelae such as hearing loss or developmental delays. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.
Yes, infants and immunocompromised children are at higher risk of severe complications from infectious diseases. Careful monitoring, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are crucial in these populations. The vaccination of household members and close contacts can also help protect vulnerable individuals. In order to create customised management plans that may include immunisations, antibiotic prophylaxis, and quick medical examination and treatment of any suspected infections, parents must collaborate closely with healthcare professionals.
As per the Universal Immunisation Programme, a child's immunisation journey starts at birth. A kid receives vaccinations against polio (OPV), childhood TB (BCG), and maternally transmitted hepatitis B (Hep B vaccine) as soon as they are born. Subsequently, the recommended ages and protocols for administering certain vaccinations in the National Immunisation Schedule are followed.
From birth, children receive several vaccines to protect against diseases. At birth, they get the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. At 2 months, they receive DTP, IPV, Hib, a second Hepatitis B dose, PCV, and Rotavirus vaccines, with these being repeated at 4 months, except for Hepatitis B. At 6 months, additional doses of DTP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B, PCV, and the annual influenza vaccine are given. Between 12 to 15 months, children receive MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A (first dose), and additional doses of PCV and Hib. From 15 to 18 months, they get DTP, IPV boosters, and the second Hepatitis A dose. Finally, between 4 to 6 years, they receive boosters for DTP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella. The exact schedule may vary based on local guidelines.
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