Causes of Infections

Causes of infections

Most infections in children are caused by viruses, but they can also be caused by bacteria or parasites. Bacteria can live in certain parts of our body without causing any harm, but they can cause infection when they move to parts of the body where they do not belong, or they can enter the body from the outside (such as when we are exposed to sick person), when bacteria cause an infection, it requires treatment with an antibiotic. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, instead, the body gets rid of viruses on its own.

Signs of infection in an infant

Since infections can be especially dangerous in an infant under 2 months of age, call your pediatrician right away if your child develops any of these symptoms:

rectal temperature of at least 100.4°F, poor feeding, poor color, breathing problems, weak cry, unusual fussiness or sleeping more than usual or vomiting or diarrhea