What Are the Most Common Infections in Babies? How to Prevent Them?

Babies can get infections from an infected mother during pregnancy and birth. Also, an immature immune system may infect an infant.

This aside, the monsoon and winter are prime times for babies to fall sick. The monsoon’s wet, humid conditions create dust and mould mites, which cause allergies in babies. Also, mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, puddles, and flower pots, making babies vulnerable to malaria and dengue.

Like monsoon weather, cold, dry winter air can irritate your baby’s lungs. It can also make them more prone to colds and flu.

The good news is that most infections don’t last long. If you see any signs of infection in your baby, visit the doctor immediately.

Common infections in infants and babies include bacterial, fungal, and viral ones. For instance,

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects infants and young children, leading to inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. Along with inflammation, other symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing, eating and drinking
• Stuffy nose and congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever

Ways to Treat Bronchiolitis in Babies

The doctors start the treatment by listening to the baby’s chest and checking the oxygen levels. Keep extra oxygen or a breathing machine if it is suggested. Using a humidifier is a must in your little one’s room. Along with this, you need to offer plenty of fluids to your baby.

Common Cold and Flu

This is a contagious upper respiratory infection. It affects your baby’s throat, nose, sinuses, and windpipe. Viral fevers, like Adenovirus and rhinovirus, can cause colds and flu infections in babies.

Symptoms

Your baby’s immune system is still learning to fight germs. So they catch colds quickly. Watch out for the symptoms mentioned below and treat your child.

A day or two after your baby catches a viral cold or flu, you’ll notice him or her sneezing and coughing. Runny noses and nasal blockages are also common in this condition. He or she may run a high fever from 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, it may leave the baby cranky and irritated.

How To Treat the Common Cold and Flu?

Give your baby antibiotics and vitamin supplements with the help of your paediatrician. The aim is to reduce cold and flu symptoms. Also, ensure the baby is hydrated.

Stomach Infections or Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or stomach infections in babies, is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Rotavirus is an example of this category.

Symptoms

Your baby’s stomach infection may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. There is a possibility that the little one does not feel like eating. Stomach and muscle aches are common in them.

Ways to Care For Baby

Follow a healthcare practitioner’s advice. Give your little one 1 or 2 teaspoons of an oral electrolyte solution as a medical treatment. As part of natural treatment, keep the baby hydrated. Give them plenty of fluids (offering them breast milk) as often as possible.

Throat Infections

A sore throat or throat infection in babies occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection. It also depends on your baby’s age and where you are. This includes the area and its weather (cold, hot, or humid).

Symptoms

Take your baby to the doctor if you see blisters and sores in their mouth. If it becomes hard for them to swallow, go immediately. You may also notice red rashes on the baby’s hands, feet, mouth, or buttocks. He or she may have mouth pain and a fever.

Ways to Treat Throat Infections in Baby

Visit a paediatrician with your child. Follow the doctor’s advice. As per the prescription, set up a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. Use a suction bulb to take out mucus from the baby’s nose. Give them a frozen treat (if the baby is on solid food) to soothe their sore throat. Don’t forget the antibiotics if your doctor wrote them in the prescription. Keep the baby hydrated with breast milk and water until the symptoms improve.

Urinary Tract Infections in Babies

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Poor cleaning after a diaper change may cause urinary tract infections in your child. A dirty diaper can let bacteria into the urinary tract. You are more likely to wipe babies from back to front.

Symptoms

Improper cleaning lets stool bacteria enter the urethra. It stays there, making your baby feverish without cold or flu symptoms. He or she may even feel a burning sensation or pain while passing urine. Your baby may start vomiting, lose interest in eating, and feel fussy.

How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Baby?

You may need to give your baby medicines under the doctor’s guidance to treat this condition. You may need to care for your child by breastfeeding more. Also, offer extra fluids or water to keep your baby hydrated.

Infant infections can be cured with a healthy lifestyle and good hygiene. Be aware and care for your little one.