Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

  Pertussis causes severe coughing spells that end in a whooping sound when the person breathes in. It can be prevented with the pertussis vaccine, part of the DTaP immunization.

• Walking Pneumonia

  Many kids with this milder version of pneumonia feel well enough to go to school. But it's important to keep kids home until after treatment kicks in and symptoms improve.

• Diphtheria

  Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that's rare in the United States, where health officials immunize kids against it. But it's still common in developing countries where immunizations aren't given routinely.

• Tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis (TB) is making a comeback in the United States today. Find out who's at risk, what to watch for, and how doctors treat TB.

• The Flu (Influenza)

  Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and are worse than the sneezing and stuffiness of a cold. The flu is very contagious. Find out what to do in this article for parents.

• Strep Throat

  Strep throat is a common cause of sore throat in kids and teens. It usually requires treatment with antibiotics, but improves in a few days.

• Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

  Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are common and easily treated.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of this contagious infection.

• Meningitis

  Meningitis is treatable, but can be serious. So it's important to know the symptoms, and get medical care right away if you think that your child has the illness.

• Croup

  Croup often causes kids to have a loud cough that sounds like a seal barking. Most cases of croup are caused by viruses, are mild, and can be treated at home.

• Bronchiolitis

  Bronchiolitis is a common illness of the respiratory tract caused by an infection that affects tiny airways. The best treatment for most kids with bronchiolitis is time to recover and plenty of fluids.

• Adenovirus

  Adenoviruses can infect the lining of the eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system. They're common causes of fever, coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and pinkeye.

• Scarlet Fever

  Scarlet fever is an illness caused by a strep infection. It causes a red, bumpy rash that spreads over most of the body, and is treated with antibiotics.

• Measles

  Measles is best known for the skin rash it causes. Although rare, outbreaks can happen. Getting your kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from this disease.

• Pneumocystis Pneumonia

  Pneumocystis pneumonia can affect infants who have AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that affect the immune system.

• Pneumonia

  Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs, most commonly viruses. Read about symptoms and treatment.

• 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.