Infectious Diseases

October signals the beginning of flu immunization season, and expanded guidelines encourage the vaccination of even healthy young children.

Advances in rapid diagnostic tests and antiviral therapy for influenza have given pediatricians new options for identifying and fighting this old and resilient foe.

Keeping track of changes in immunization recommendations is the best way to be certain that our patients receive maximal benefit.

Developments have opened new vistas in diagnosing and treating the broad spectrum of illness caused by the versatile nonpolio enteroviruses.

The biggest change in this year's schedule is the addition of the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Many families feel that pediatricians just don't listen when they try to voice concerns about vaccines. Our recommendation: Identify each family's specific issues, target your response accordingly, and use a nonconfrontational approach. Time-consuming lectures on big subjects like immunology generally aren't needed.

Arthritis can be caused by a range of viruses or other infectious agents, or develop in the wake of an enteric, genitourinary, or respiratory tract infection. Knowing the possible causes and typical signs and symptoms of infection-related arthritides helps make the diagnosis.

Widespread vaccination of children isn't yet a reality, but rapid diagnostic tests and new drugs are putting early, effective treatment of both influenza A and B within reach.

As the day-care population grows, so does the need to protect both children and staff from infectious diseases. This concise overview summarizes how different infections spread, who's at risk, and the policies and procedures needed to control infection without excluding children from day care unnecessarily.