Infections in children

Once healthy children are past the first few months of life they are able to combat infections as well as adults. During the first few months the child may not have developed a sufficient number of antibodies to be able to combat successfully the many bacteria in his environment.

The process of developing antibodies takes place rapidly after six months of age, and healthy children may show an even greater resistance to the ordinary bacterial infections than adults.

Children tend to develop an immunity to the bacteria that flourish in their environment. However, such bacteria as staphylo-coccus, streptococcus, colon bacillus, and others can cause an

infection if they gain access, to the child's body through a break in the skin or through one of his apertures.

There are some conditions which can affect a child's ability to combat an infection.

— If a child is undernourished and lacks sufficient body proteins,
vitamins and essential minerals, he will be poorly equipped to
combat infections.

— An anemic child will find it more difficult to mobilize his
body resources to combat infections.

— If there is a disease in one of the major organs, such as
liver, kidneys, or bone marrow, a child will be less able to fight
off the invasion of bacteria.

Any infection may cause temperatures as high as 105 °F to 106 °F in a, child. This is not a bad indication, as it demonstrates the child's ability to mobilize his defence mechanisms.

It is necessary to give a patient large quantities of fluids because most generalized infections are associated with temperature elevation and profuse sweating. Furthermore, large quantities of fluids tend to dilute the toxins produced by the bacteria.

Bed rest and prompt treatment of minor infections such as head colds or other upper respiratory infections will often prevent the onset of a more serious infection such as pneumonia.

It must be remembered that antibiotics are usually ineffective in ridding the body of a viral infection. However, they may be given to prevent a secondary invasion of bacteria that would complicate the original viral infection.

In certain instances the vaccines are effective in preventing the viral infection but not in curing it. For example, the measles virus can be prevented from taking hold within the body by vaccinating the child against it.