Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids. They're easy to treat and usually clear up in a week or so.

• Mononucleosis (Mono)

  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infection that causes flu-like symptoms. It usually goes away on its own in a few weeks with the help of plenty of fluids and rest.

• Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

  Ear infections are common among kids and, often, painful. Find out what causes them and how they're treated.

• A to Z: Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

  Learn more about otitis media, an infection of the middle ear.

• Head Lice

  Lice aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease, but they are contagious, annoying, and sometimes hard to get rid of. Learn more about this common childhood problem and how to get rid of those pesky little bugs.

• Enterovirus Infections

  Enteroviruses are a common cause of infection in people of all ages, with symptoms that can range from mild to serious.

• Colds

  Colds are the most common infectious disease in the United States - and the top reason kids visit the doctor and miss school.

• Chickenpox

  Chickenpox used to be common in kids, causing a very itchy red rash all over the body. But the good news is that a vaccine can prevent most cases.

• Cold Sores

  Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own.

• Is It a Cold, the Flu, or COVID-19?

  The flu usually makes kids feel worse than if they have a cold. But it's not always easy to tell the difference. Here are tips on what to look for — and what to do.

• Taking Your Child’s Temperature

  All kids get a fever from time to time. Find out about taking your child's temperature, safely and accurately.

• How to Take an Oral Temperature

  Taking an oral temperature is easy in an older, cooperative child. Most kids can have their temperature taken this way when they’re about 4–5 years old. Here's how to do it.

• How to Take an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature

  The axillary (armpit) method is a convenient way to take a child's temperature, especially for kids who can't hold a thermometer in their mouths. Here's how to do it.

• How to Take a Rectal Temperature

  The best way to take a temperature in infants and young children is by taking a rectal temperature. Here's how to do it.

• Fever (High Temperature) In Kids

  Fevers happen when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above normal. This is often the body's way of fighting infections.

• Bronchitis

  Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

  Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading.

• Diarrhea

  Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.