Common_illnesses_and_conditions

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  • Know the Facts About HIV and AIDS

    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis and treatment are very effective at keeping people healthy. In addition, there are things you can do to prevent getting HIV. Read on to learn more

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  • Lactose Intolerance and Your Child

    After drinking milk or eating ice cream, does your child have stomach cramps or get diarrhea? If so, your child may have lactose intolerance.

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  • Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease is an important public health problem in some areas of the United States. Since its discovery in Lyme, CT, in 1975, thousands of cases of the disease have been reported across the United States and around the world. By knowing more about the disease and how to prevent it, you can help keep

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  • Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Allergic Skin Conditions

    Estimates are that up to 20% of infants and young children may be affected by eczema at some point. There is no good data about how frequently hives and contact dermatitis occur.

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  • Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Allergies: An Overview

    Allergies are very common. In a national study of children with special health care needs, 53% had allergies of some type.

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  • Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects the whole body. It happens when the body intensely responds to an allergen.

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  • Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Asthma

    Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, affecting between 5% and 10%.

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  • Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

    Babies with GERD can choke; a bulb syringe should be available to help clear the airway if necessary. If the baby is coughing, nothing should be done because the cough is the most effective way to clear the airway. If the baby stops breathing or making any sound, CPR techniques for infants should be

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  • Medicine and the Media: How to Make Sense of the Messages

    Your child is sick or hurt and the first thought on your mind is, “How can I make my child better?” That's natural. No parent wants his or her child to suffer. So how do you decide what medicines to give or treatments to try?

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  • Meningococcal Disease: Information for Teens and College Students

    Certain teens and young adults have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. College students, especially freshmen who live in dorms and military recruits, are at an increased risk compared with others in this age group. It's important to know how to protect yourself because meningococcal disease

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  • Middle Ear Fluid and Your Child

    The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum that is usually filled with air. When a child has middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion), it means that a watery or mucus-like fluid has collected in the middle ear. Otitis media means middle ear inflammation, and effusion means fluid.

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  • Minor Head Injuries in Children

    Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to

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  • Nursemaid's Elbow

    A pulled elbow (also known as nursemaid’s elbow) is a common, painful injury generally among children under four years old but occasionally older. It occurs when the outer part of the elbow becomes dislocated or slips out of its joint.

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  • Pneumococcal Infections

    Meningitis (brain), Bacteremia (bloodstream), Pneumonia (lungs), Sinusitis (sinus membranes), and Otitis media (ears). These infections can be dangerous to very young children, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health conditions.

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  • Protect Your Child From Poison

    Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. However, most children who come in contact with these things are not permanently hurt if they are treated right away.

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