Encephalitis

Encephalitis literally means an inflammation of the brain, but it usually refers to brain inflammation caused by a virus. It's a rare disease that occurs in approximately 0.5 per 100,000 individuals — most commonly in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems (i.e., those with HIV/AIDS or cancer). Although several thousand cases of encephalitis (also called acute viral encephalitis or aseptic encephalitis) are reported to t

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Measles

Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious — but rare — respiratory infection that's caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. Since measles is caused by a virus, symptoms typically go away on their own without medical treatment once the virus has run its course. But a child who is sick should be sure to receive plenty of fluids and rest, and kept from spreadin

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. It is sometimes called a "nervous stomach" or a "spastic colon." Certain foods can trigger the symptoms of IBS, as can emotional stress, infections, and physical trauma. Although IBS can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for kids, it doesn't cause serious health problems. Doctors can help kids manage IBS symptoms with

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Cold Sores

Cold sores are small and painful blisters that can appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They are sometimes referred to as fever blisters, and they're caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Kids can get cold sores by kissing or sharing eating utensils with an infected person. Usually, HSV-1 cause cold sores in the mouth or face, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes lesions in the genital area, resulting in genital herpes. Bu

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Is It a Cold or The Flu

Back from school you are having a sore throat, cough, and high fever — could it be the flu that's been going around? Or is it just a common cold? Typically, the flu (also known as influenza) has symptoms that make a child feel worse than symptoms associated with a common cold, but it's not always that easy to tell the difference between the two. Symptoms Guide To help determine whether your child's fighting the flu or combating a cold, review

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Infectious Diarrhea

Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, but the good news is that it's often caused by infections that don't last long and usually are more disruptive than dangerous. Still, it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent diarrhea. Causes of Diarrhea Diarrhea — frequent runny or watery bowel movements (poop) — is usually brought on by gastrointestinal (GI) infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The specific g

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