Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Strep Throat:

Viruses are the main cause of sore throats. The bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, cause strep throat. The symptoms of strep throat are a sore throat, trouble swallowing, headache, high fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Stomachache and vomiting could also be present in small children. Strep throat requires medical attention.


Ear infection / Otitis Media:

Ear infections are very common in babies and young children. Most children have had one before they turn three. Signs of an ear infection are pulling at the ears, crying more than usual, sleep trouble, and possibly hearing, speech, or balance trouble. You may even see fluid draining from the ear. If you suspect an ear infection you should see your doctor.

What's happening: The passages between each middle ear and the throat are called the Eustachian tubes. These tubes allow air to circulate and keep pressure from building up inside the middle ear. Before three years of age the Eustachian tubes are very small and not able to keep germs out.

A cold can cause tubes to become blocked and allow germs into the middle ear, causing infection and swelling. Fluid and mucus become trapped inside the ear causing pus to build up. Although a slight infection may go away on it’s own; a more severe infection left untreated can become serious. A second infection can occur when fluid and mucus remain trapped in the ear after the initial infection is over, making it more difficult to overcome future infections.


The Flu:

Influenza is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. There are three types of the flu virus, with types A and B being more severe than C. These viruses constantly change into different strains and circulate around the world.

Type C does not cause epidemics. Its mild symptoms are often mistaken for a cold. The symptoms of types A and B are more severe and come on abruptly. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, and vomiting.

School aged children get symptoms that are similar to an adult’s. Infants and preschoolers get symptoms similar to other viruses. An infant’s body is so compact that this can lead to complications. Children also tend to have higher temperatures than adults do. You should get a medical diagnosis.


The Common Cold:

Several viruses can cause this infection of the nose and throat. A cold lasts seven to ten days in an adult, but can last longer in a small child. Young children can get six to eight colds a year. Colds develop about three days after the germs enter your body.

The symptoms are runny nose, cough, congestion, scratchy throat, and weakened sense of taste. Infants and young children are likely to develop a fever. You should see a doctor if your child is still very young children, or if a fever increases, a cough worsens, or a child experiences ear pain.

New research shows a vaccine may soon be available to protect against most types of the cold virus.