What are the main reasons for low-grade fever in children. How can parents identify the symptoms of low-grade fever in toddlers. What are the most effective treatments for low-grade fever in kids.

Understanding Low-Grade Fever in Toddlers

Low-grade fever in toddlers is a common occurrence that often causes concern among parents. It’s essential to understand what constitutes a low-grade fever and how it differs from higher temperatures. A low-grade fever is typically defined as a body temperature between 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 100.9°F (38.3°C). While it can be worrying, low-grade fevers are usually not a cause for immediate alarm and often indicate that a child’s immune system is actively fighting off an infection or responding to other stimuli.

How to Recognize a Low-Grade Fever

Recognizing a low-grade fever in toddlers can be challenging, as the symptoms may be subtle. Parents should be aware of the following signs:

• Slightly warm forehead or neck
• Mild flushing of the cheeks
• Increased thirst
• Slight decrease in appetite
• Mild irritability or fussiness
• Slightly decreased energy levels

Is a low-grade fever always cause for concern? Not necessarily. In many cases, a low-grade fever is a sign that the body is effectively combating an infection or responding to environmental factors. However, it’s important to monitor your child’s condition and be aware of any additional symptoms that may develop.

Common Causes of Low-Grade Fever in Toddlers

Understanding the potential causes of low-grade fever in toddlers can help parents better assess the situation and determine when medical attention may be necessary. Here are nine common reasons for low-grade fever in children:

1. Viral Infections

Viral infections are among the most frequent causes of low-grade fever in toddlers. These may include:

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Rotavirus

How long do viral-induced low-grade fevers typically last? Most viral-induced low-grade fevers resolve within 3-5 days, but some may persist for up to a week.

2. Bacterial Infections

While less common than viral infections, bacterial infections can also cause low-grade fevers in toddlers. Examples include:

• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections

Are bacterial infections more serious than viral infections? Bacterial infections often require medical intervention and may need antibiotic treatment, making early detection crucial.

3. Teething

Teething is a common cause of low-grade fever in toddlers, especially between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. The process of tooth eruption can cause inflammation in the gums, leading to a slight increase in body temperature.

Can teething cause fevers higher than 101°F (38.3°C)? No, teething typically does not cause high fevers. If your child has a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), it’s likely due to another cause and warrants medical attention.

4. Immunizations

Vaccinations can sometimes trigger a low-grade fever in toddlers as the immune system responds to the vaccine. This is generally a normal and expected reaction, indicating that the body is building immunity.

How long do vaccine-induced fevers typically last? Most vaccine-induced fevers resolve within 24-48 hours after the immunization.

5. Overheating

Environmental factors can sometimes cause a toddler’s body temperature to rise slightly. This may occur due to:

• Hot weather
• Overdressing
• Excessive physical activity
• Spending time in a warm room

How can parents differentiate between overheating and a fever? If the child’s temperature returns to normal after cooling down or removing excess clothing, it was likely due to overheating rather than an illness-induced fever.

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Low-Grade Fever

While a low-grade fever itself is a symptom, it often accompanies other signs that can help parents assess their child’s condition. Here are some common symptoms that may occur alongside a low-grade fever in toddlers:

Behavioral Changes

• Increased irritability or fussiness
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or decreased activity levels
• Changes in sleep patterns

Physical Symptoms

• Mild body aches
• Slight congestion or runny nose
• Mild cough
• Slightly swollen lymph nodes

Should parents be concerned if their toddler exhibits these symptoms along with a low-grade fever? While these symptoms are often mild and resolve on their own, it’s important to monitor them closely. If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days, consult a healthcare provider.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Low-Grade Fever in Toddlers

When dealing with a low-grade fever in toddlers, the primary goal is to ensure the child’s comfort and support their body’s natural healing process. Here are some effective strategies for managing low-grade fever:

1. Rest and Hydration

Encourage your toddler to rest and provide plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions designed for children can be beneficial.

2. Comfortable Environment

Maintain a comfortable room temperature and dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing. Avoid overheating or excessive bundling.

3. Lukewarm Baths

A lukewarm bath can help reduce body temperature and provide comfort. Avoid cold baths, as they can cause shivering, which may increase body temperature.

4. Over-the-Counter Medications

In some cases, over-the-counter fever reducers may be appropriate. Always consult with a healthcare provider before administering any medication to young children.

Is it necessary to treat every low-grade fever with medication? Not always. Low-grade fevers often don’t require medication unless the child is uncomfortable or has other concerning symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Low-Grade Fever

While most low-grade fevers in toddlers are not cause for immediate concern, there are situations where medical attention may be necessary. Parents should be aware of the following red flags:

• Fever persists for more than 3 days
• Temperature rises above 102°F (38.9°C)
• Child shows signs of dehydration
• Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Unusual rash or skin discoloration

How quickly should parents seek medical attention if these symptoms occur? If any of these symptoms are present, it’s advisable to contact a healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency care if the situation appears severe.

Preventing Low-Grade Fever in Toddlers

While it’s not always possible to prevent low-grade fevers, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk of infections and other causes:

1. Proper Hygiene

Teach and encourage good hand-washing habits to minimize the spread of germs.

2. Balanced Diet

Provide a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support a strong immune system.

3. Adequate Sleep

Ensure your toddler gets sufficient sleep, as rest is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system.

4. Regular Check-ups

Keep up with scheduled pediatric appointments and vaccinations to prevent various illnesses.

5. Environmental Awareness

Be mindful of your child’s surroundings and dress them appropriately for the weather to prevent overheating.

Can following these preventive measures guarantee that a toddler won’t experience low-grade fevers? While these strategies can significantly reduce the risk, it’s important to remember that occasional low-grade fevers are a normal part of childhood and can be beneficial in building a strong immune system.

Understanding the Role of Fever in the Immune Response

It’s crucial for parents to understand that fever, including low-grade fever, is not inherently harmful. In fact, it plays a vital role in the body’s immune response. Here’s how fever contributes to fighting infections:

1. Pathogen Inhibition

Elevated body temperature can slow down the growth and reproduction of certain bacteria and viruses.

2. Enhanced Immune Function

Fever stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, antibodies, and other immune system components.

3. Metabolic Boost

Increased body temperature can accelerate metabolic processes, potentially speeding up healing and recovery.

Does this mean parents should never treat a low-grade fever? Not necessarily. While fever serves a purpose, treatment may be appropriate if the child is uncomfortable or if there are other concerning symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The Impact of Age on Fever Management in Children

The approach to managing low-grade fever can vary depending on the age of the child. Here’s how age factors into fever management:

Infants (0-3 months)

Any fever in this age group requires immediate medical attention, as young infants are more vulnerable to serious infections.

Older Infants and Toddlers (3 months to 3 years)

Low-grade fevers in this age group are often less concerning but should still be monitored closely. Consult a healthcare provider if the fever persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Preschoolers and Older Children (3+ years)

Children in this age group can often tolerate low-grade fevers well. Focus on comfort measures and monitor for any worsening symptoms.

How does a child’s age influence the decision to use fever-reducing medications? Generally, healthcare providers are more likely to recommend fever-reducing medications for older children who are uncomfortable, while being more cautious with very young infants.

Understanding low-grade fever in toddlers is crucial for parents to provide appropriate care and know when to seek medical attention. By recognizing the common causes, associated symptoms, and effective treatment strategies, parents can navigate this common childhood occurrence with confidence. Remember that while low-grade fevers can be concerning, they often play a beneficial role in the body’s immune response and are typically not a cause for immediate alarm.

What should I do if my baby has a fever?

Something’s not right with your little one. While usually a good eater, your baby won’t take a bottle or breastfeed. They have no interest in their favorite toy even when you make it dance before their eyes. And when you reach out to console them, their skin is hot to the touch. Is it a fever?

As a parent, you know when your baby isn’t acting normal. And if you think your baby has a fever, it’s understandable to be a little nervous. You’d rather feel sick yourself than have your little one be under the weather.

Try not to worry. Every baby will likely have a fever at some point in their young lives, and most fevers are mild and can be treated at home.

Still, it’s important to know the signs of fever in babies, how to take their temperature, what’s considered a fever, and when to call your baby’s doctor or seek immediate care for fever symptoms.

Common signs of a fever in babies

So, what are signs that baby may have a fever? These are some of the first cues:

• Baby’s forehead or neck feels warm when you use the back of your hand to check (their body temperature should be about the same as yours).
  • If your child is acting normal, but their temperature is elevated, don’t worry just yet. Sometimes little ones can run quick fevers but not be sick. So, monitor them for any symptoms listed below.
• Baby doesn’t look like themselves. Maybe they’re shivering, sweating or have flushed red cheeks.
• Baby is acting differently. For example, they may:
  • Seem weaker or sleepier than usual
  • Be extra fussy
  • Have a decreased appetite or poor eating
  • Show no interest in playing
  • Have trouble sleeping
• Baby isn’t peeing like normal. When you change their diaper, you notice changes in urine color, odor or amount.
• Baby is vomiting.

Causes of fever in babies

A fever is not an illness and is often, but not always, a sign that baby’s immune system is fighting something. Here are some of the most common reasons for fevers:

• A cold or flu
• Ear infection
• Urinary infection
• Pneumonia
• Bacterial infection caused by a severe diaper rash
• A mild side effect of recent vaccinations
• They’re overheated

How to take your baby’s temperature

If your baby is showing any signs of a fever, take their temperature. The best way to do this – and the thermometer to use – depends on your baby’s age.

Finding the right thermometer

The best temperature readings come from direct contact with your baby. So, for the first six months of their life, you should always use a digital thermometer.

You’ve probably used a digital thermometer to take your own temperature by placing it under your tongue. But you’ll take your baby’s temperature by placing the thermometer in either their armpit or rectum.

So, look for one that is labeled for rectal use. You may also find an all-in-one thermometer that can be used orally, rectally or in their armpit. If you opt for an all-in-one thermometer for rectal use, make sure to label it. The same thermometer should never be used for both rectal and oral temperatures.

Once your baby is over 6 months old, you can use remote thermometers for the forehead and ear canal to take their temperature. Thermometers not recommended for any age baby include plastic strip thermometers, pacifier thermometers and smartphone temperature apps.

How to take your baby’s temperature rectally

A rectal temp is considered the gold standard for accurately knowing an infant’s temperature until they’re over 6 months old. Here’s how to get an accurate reading:

Using a digital thermometer to measure rectal temperature

1. Clean the digital thermometer by washing it with soap and water, or wiping with rubbing alcohol.
2. Lay your baby down either on their back or belly with legs bent toward their chest.
3. Apply petroleum jelly to the metal tip of the thermometer and gently glide it into the rectal opening – usually about half an inch, but follow your specific thermometer’s instructions carefully.
4. Turn on the thermometer.
5. Hold the thermometer in place until it beeps – usually about two minutes.
6. Slide out the thermometer.
7. Make note of the temperature.
8. Clean the thermometer before storing.

If you’re uncomfortable taking your baby’s temperature rectally, you can call a nurse line and ask to be walked through the process over the phone (both your clinic and health plan likely offer this kind of service).

How to take your baby’s temperature under their arm

Taking your baby’s temperature under their arm is very simple. Just know that this type of reading is less accurate, and can be affected by the amount of clothing your baby is wearing and the temperature in the room.

Using a digital thermometer to measure armpit temperature

1. Remove baby’s clothes so their chest is bare.
2. Place the digital thermometer in one of their armpits.
3. Fold their arm over the thermometer.
4. Turn on the thermometer.
5. Hold their arm in place until the thermometer beeps, which usually happens in less than two minutes.
6. Remove the thermometer.
7. Make note of the temperature, adding one degree to the reading.

How to take your baby’s temperature with a remote forehead thermometer

If your baby is older than 6 months, a temporal artery thermometer (TAT) can be an easy way to measure your baby’s forehead temperature from a distance.

A TAT uses infrared light to read the temperature of the temporal artery, which is located in your baby’s forehead.

The benefit of a TAT is that it can quickly record a temperature, and your little one won’t need to hold still for a whole minute or two. But readings can be less accurate than digital thermometers.

Using a temporal artery thermometer

1. Make sure baby’s forehead is clean and dry.
2. Hold thermometer in front of the baby’s forehead at the correct distance. (This distance is different for every thermometer, so make sure to follow the directions for your specific model.)
3. Hold down the button and wait for the thermometer to beep. This shouldn’t take more than a couple seconds.
4. Make note of the temperature.

How to take baby’s temperature with a remote in-ear thermometer

Another option for babies 6 months and older is an in-ear thermometer. Also called a tympanic thermometer, this type of thermometer measures the temperature of the ear drum using infrared light.

A tympanic thermometer is similar to a TAT but has a small cone-shaped probe to use in the ear canal. Some TATs have probe attachments that allow them to be used in-ear.

Using a tympanic thermometer

1. Check the inside of baby’s ear to make sure it’s clean.
2. Clean the tip of the probe with rubbing alcohol.
3. Gently tug your baby’s ear straight back to make room for the probe.
4. Gently ease the probe into the ear canal.
5. Press the button and hold thermometer in place until it flashes or beeps. This is usually just a second or two.
6. Remove thermometer.
7. Take note of the temperature.

If used correctly, in-ear thermometers can provide reliable temperature readings in older babies. But they aren’t as accurate if your baby has earwax buildup or a small, curved ear canal.

What is a normal temperature for a baby?

Some changes in your baby’s temperature are completely normal. A baby’s temperature naturally goes up throughout the day or when lying in a warm blanket. Likewise, their temperature may go down on colder days or after spending time in the bath.

Generally, a normal temperature for a baby is between 97 degrees and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. If something’s off with your baby’s internal systems, you’ll typically see bigger spikes or drops in temperatures that don’t go away on their own, and the baby will start to act sick.

Baby temperature chart

Low-grade fevers or mild fevers in babies are often described by several different ranges. Some people may consider anything between 98.6 degrees and 100.3 degrees a mild fever. Others may think temperatures between 99.5 degrees and 102.2 degrees indicate a mild fever.

Among most doctors, a mild or low-grade fever in babies is between 100 and 102 degrees. But, unless your baby’s behavior has changed or there are other concerning symptoms, no treatment may be necessary.

Baby fever treatment based on age

If baby has a fever, does that mean you should immediately call your baby’s doctor? Not necessarily. A lot depends on your baby’s age and the type of fever they have. Here’s a quick rundown of treatment, depending on your baby’s age.

If your baby is less than 3 months old

What’s considered a fever in a newborn? While a fever is a fever, regardless of age, doctors want to see younger babies with fevers sooner. That’s because young babies can get very sick, very quickly and it’s important to identify the cause and start treatment as soon as possible.

So, call your baby’s doctor or nurse line if their temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher. If your baby is less than two months old, the doctor will want to see baby as soon as possible. Also, anytime your baby is acting ill – whether a fever is present or not – call in.

You can help your baby feel comfortable at home by keeping them in lightweight clothing and not over-bundling with blankets. Also, try to increase the frequency of breastfeeding or bottle feeding to prevent dehydration.

Watch out for low body temp in infants

What should you do if your baby’s temperature is low? If your baby is cold, warm them up! Cuddling under a warm blanket or an extra layer of clothing are good choices to warm up your baby. But you should call your doctor if their temperature drops below 97 degrees.

Small babies are less able to regulate their body temperature. In other words, sometimes when babies get cold, they stay cold or get even colder.

If a baby’s temp stays low for a long period of time, it can affect their metabolism and breathing, as well as increase their overall risk of serious complications. So if your baby is cold to the touch, or has blue lips or fingers, take their temperature. If it’s low, give your baby’s doctor a call.

If your baby is 3–6 months

If your baby has a mild fever, but they’re acting normal, you may not need to see the doctor. Usually the best course of action is keeping baby comfortable, dressing them in light clothing and making sure they are getting enough to drink.

But if your baby’s temperature is above 102 degrees, definitely call. When you talk to the nurse line or doctor, they will want to know if your baby is not eating or sleeping well, or if they seem less comfortable than normal. Using this information, the nurse or doctor will provide a recommendation on what to do next, which may include giving your child a dose of Tylenol to help with comfort.

A mild fever can actually be a good thing because it shows that baby’s immune system is working the way it should. Making sure that baby is getting enough liquids will help keep them comfortable – and hydrated – so continue with frequent feedings.

And as a heads up, you’ll probably start to see more crying, crankiness and mild fevers when your baby starts teething, which usually happens at around 6 months. Teething time can be a challenge, so try out different ways to make your baby more comfortable and teething easier, including a solid teething ring, a wet washcloth or a refrigerated pacifier.

If your baby is 6–24 months

If your baby is drinking plenty of fluids, still sleeping well and continuing to play, there may be no need to treat a mild fever. You probably will only need to come in if your little one has a temp of 102 degrees or higher that lasts longer than a day. Give the nurse line a call if you’d like help determining if you should schedule an appointment. They can also recommend which medicines to use and how much, if necessary.

When to call your baby’s doctor or seek care for a fever

Here are some guidelines for when to seek care based on your baby’s age and temperature. But if you’re concerned about your baby and their temperature is normal, call anyway. The pediatric team at HealthPartners is always here for you and your little one.

Call your baby’s doctor or nurse line within 24 hours if:

• Your baby is 2 to 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or a temperature lower than 97 degrees.
• Your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 102 degrees or higher.
• Your baby is 6 to 24 months old and has a temperature of 102 degrees or higher that lasts longer than a day.

Call your baby’s doctor or go to urgent care or the emergency room right away if:

• Baby is under 2 months old and has a fever.
• Baby is unvaccinated and has a fever.
• Baby is nonstop crying or cries when touched or moved.
• Baby is having difficulty breathing.
• Baby is struggling to swallow fluids.
• Baby is shaking or has chills that last more than 30 minutes.
• Baby keeps vomiting.
• Baby has an unusual skin rash that worsens.
• Baby stops peeing.

Call 911 for immediate emergency care if:

• Baby isn’t moving.
• Baby can’t wake up.
• Baby has severe trouble breathing such as struggling for breath or can barely cry or speak.
• Baby has purple or blood-colored spots or dots on their skin.

Nervous about your baby’s fever? We can help.

If you’re not sure if you should be concerned about your baby’s temperature, call us. We’re here to help.

HealthPartners members and patients can call 800-551-0859. Park Nicollet patients can call their clinic directly during regular business hours, or 952-993-4665 if it’s after hours. For questions and advice on new baby care, you can also call our 24/7 BabyLine at 612-333-2229.

Fever in Infants and Children

Because young children are not able to hold a thermometer in their mouths, their temperature may be checked rectally or axillary (under the arm). Axillary temperatures are usually 1^o lower than rectal temperatures, and rectal temperatures are the most accurate. All temperature guidelines listed in this chart are rectal. Temperatures above 105^o (oral) can be dangerous, and need immediate medical attention.

Back to Symptoms

Step 2

Answering Questions

• Is your child two months or younger with a fever of 100.4°F or higher?

• Is your child older than 2 months with a fever of 102°F or higher that is unresponsive to fever-reducing medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen)?

• Does your child have a low-grade fever (up to 101°F) runny nose, and is the child tired and cranky?

• Does your child have a low-grade fever (up to 101°F) and a harsh, barking cough (sounds like a seal)?

• Does your child have a low-grade fever with nausea or vomiting?

• Is your child also complaining of stomach pain?

• Does your child have watery diarrhea and a low-grade fever?

• Is your child pulling at his or her ear, and is he or she irritable?

• Does your child have a rash, cut, or wound that is red, swollen, and tender?

• Does your child have a low-grade fever and sore throat?

• Is your child experiencing shortness of breath?

• Does your child also have a severe sore throat, problems swallowing, and are the child’s skin or lips turning blueish? Is your child sitting up and leaning forward putting weight on one or both arms (“tripoding”)?

• Does your child have a slight fever (less than 101. 5°F), along with rapid breathing and wheezing?

• Does your child have a high fever with shaking chills, chest pain, and coughing up green or yellow mucus?

• Is your child feeling very ill, complaining of headaches and vomiting, and does he or she have a stiff neck?

• Does your child have blisters scattered over their face, back, chest, and stomach?

• Did your child’s illness start with a high fever and cold-like symptoms, with a red rash appearing on his or her face (slapped cheek appearance) 4 or 5 days later?

• Did your child’s illness start with a sore throat and fever, with a red rash with small bumps that spread from the face downward appearing 3 to 5 days later?

• Does your child have swelling under the jaws on one or both sides of their neck?

• Does your child have either a runny nose or diarrhea with a high fever?

• Does it hurt or burn when your child urinates and does he or she have back pain?

• Does your child have a fever following a recent immunization?

Back to Questions

Step 3

Possible Causes

• Diagnosis

  This may be a sign of a serious INFECTION.

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  Self Care

  Call your child’s doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child’s symptoms may be from a simple VIRAL INFECTION, such as a COLD or FLU.

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  Self Care

  Treat your child with non-aspirin fever-reducing medicines (children’s acetaminophen and/or children’s ibuprofen). Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and gets enough rest. Chicken soup may also help relieve COLD and FLU symptoms by breaking up congestion. See your child’s doctor if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or worsen, or if your child is complaining of ear or throat pain. Also, be sure to contact your child’s doctor if your child’s temperature continues to climb despite frequent use of the anti-fever medicine. Do not give children 5 years and under cough or cold medicines.

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• Diagnosis

  These may be symptoms of CROUP, a viral infection/inflammation of the upper airway.

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  Self Care

  Mild cases of croup can be treated at home. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids. A cool mist humidifier or cool air can help. See your child’s doctor right away if your child is having problems breathing or swallowing, or if your child develops a blue or grayish color around the nose, mouth, or fingernails.

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• Diagnosis

  Pain in the mid-abdomen that moves to the right lower area, along with fever and vomiting, may be signs of APPENDICITIS.

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  Self Care

  Contact your child’s doctor immediately.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS, an intestinal infection.

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  Self Care

  DIARRHEA and vomiting can quickly lead to DEYHYDRATION. Give your child an oral rehydration solution to prevent it. A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

  For the fever, give your child a non-aspirin fever-reducing medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen). Call your child’s doctor after 24 hours if the fever continues to climb or if your child cannot keep down any fluids.

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• Diagnosis

  Ear pain may be from a middle ear infection or OTITIS MEDIA. In younger children, TEETHING PAIN may radiate to the ear.

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  Self Care

  A warm, moist cloth placed over your child’s ear may help relieve the pain. If your child’s symptoms last longer than 24 hours, see your child’s doctor.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  Your child may have an infection of the skin called CELLULITIS.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away. This condition needs to be treated with antibiotics.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have STREP THROAT or PHARYNGITIS.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away. STREP THROAT is usually treated with antibiotics. If your child has a viral infection, antibiotics won’t help. Give your child lots of water if they are over 1 year. If the child is under 1 year, continue to offer breast milk or formula regularly. If they are able to gargle, a warm salt water may also help soothe your child’s throat.

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• Diagnosis

  You child may have EPIGLOTTITIS, the swelling of the airways.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor, take your child to the closest emergency room, or call an ambulance right away.

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• Diagnosis

  These may be symptoms of BRONCHIOLITIS or BRONCHITIS. While BRONCHIOLITIS produces a dry cough, a BRONCHITIS cough usually produces a yellow-green mucus.

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  Self Care

  Give your child a non-aspirin fever-reducing medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen) and be sure he or she drinks plenty of fluids. A cool-mist vaporizer may help ease congestion. See your child’s doctor if your child can’t keep liquids down, or is breathing very fast, or you can see the child’s ribs clearly with each breath. Seek immediate medical attention if your child’s skin is turning blue, especially around the lips, nose, or fingernails.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have PNEUMONIA.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have MENINGITIS, a serious infection of the membranes and fluid around the spinal canal and the brain.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor or go to the closest emergency room right away.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have CHICKENPOX or MEASLES, extremely contagious viral illnesses.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away. These can be prevented by vaccinating your children per the recommended schedule.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have PARVOVIRUS INFECTION, also called FIFTH DISEASE.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away. Treat your child with non-aspirin fever-reducing medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen), if needed.

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• Diagnosis

  Slightly larger bumps may be from MEASLES. Small “sandpaper” bumps may be from SCARLET FEVER, a strep infection in the blood. Other symptoms of SCARLET FEVER may include vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle aches.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor right away. SCARLET FEVER is usually treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of viral infections, such as measles. If your child has measles, make sure he or she gets plenty of rest. For the fever, use a non-aspirin fever-reducing medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen).

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• Diagnosis

  Your child’s fever and swelling may be from the MUMPS.

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  Self Care

  Call your child’s doctor right away. MUMPS is a viral infection, so antibiotics aren’t effective in treating it. Apply ice or heat to the swollen area to help relieve the pain. A warm salt water gargle, soft foods, and lots of fluids may also help. This can be prevented with routine childhood immunizations.

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have a simple VIRAL INFECTION, even with the high fever.

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  Self Care

  Call your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor can rule out other causes for your child’s symptoms. Use anti-fever medicine (children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen).

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• Diagnosis

  Your child may have PYELONEPHRITIS, a kidney infection.

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  Self Care

  See your child’s doctor.

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• Diagnosis

  This may be a REACTION TO THE IMMUNIZATION.

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  Self Care

  Treat the fever with children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen. If the fever is higher than 103°F, see your doctor right away.

  WARNING:

  Don’t give children aspirin without your child’s doctor’s approval due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

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• Self Care

  For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

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CHODKB – Main page

Recently, dysbacteriosis is a very common condition in children, especially in infants. It causes discomfort to babies, worsening their general condition, well-being, interferes with the normal weight gain of the child and causes a lot of anxiety to their parents. In addition, microflora plays an important role in human life. It regulates intestinal motility, supports and stimulates the immune system, synthesizes many vitamins, provides antiviral protection for the host, normalizes metabolic processes, helps to absorb many trace elements and amino acids, helps cleanse the body of toxins and prevents the penetration of foreign microbes into the blood. In total, there are 1.5 kilograms of useful microbes in the human body in the intestines in dried form – this is a whole “organ”. Their activity, significance, can be compared with the function of the two organs of the liver and kidneys combined! Vadim Zemlyakov, head of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology of the Chelyabinsk Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, a doctor of the highest category, talks about the causes of dysbacteriosis and methods of dealing with it.

– Vadim Leonidovich, some doctors consider dysbacteriosis to be a disease. What is your opinion on this matter?
– Dysbacteriosis is a condition that can develop with various diseases or adverse environmental conditions of a person. Let me give you a simple example: you are sitting at a lecture or at the cinema, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air is stuffy in the hall. In this situation, the state of dysbacteriosis gradually begins to develop. At work, the boss scolded, the person received a new portion of stress, intestinal motility increased, and a start was made to the development of a state of dysbacteriosis. The normal intestinal flora, and not only the intestinal flora, but also the flora of all abdominal organs is affected by: malnutrition, poor ecology, climate change, various ionizing radiation that surrounds a person in everyday life, inflammatory diseases, medications. But this is not a disease – it is a change in the flora (a temporary state) depending on the external conditions of exposure.
– Can dysbacteriosis occur only in the intestines or are all mucous membranes of the body affected?
– Disturbed intestinal flora will have a negative effect on the mucosa of all abdominal organs in which it is present (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, vagina, etc.). Here a chain of interrelations appears: a disease of the intestinal mucosa affects the state of the microflora, a disturbed microflora affects the mucosa.
– By what signs can parents determine that a child has a state of dysbacteriosis?
– Parents should think about if the child’s appetite decreases, the child is pale with cyanotic circles under the eyes and under the nose. If the child periodically has nausea, grumbling and pain in the abdomen, the stool changes, greens or pieces of undigested food are present in the feces. The child gains weight poorly, burps, often starts to get sick with colds. Perhaps in the evening, namely at seven o’clock, subfebrile temperature is noted – 37.1-37.2. Provided that they hold a mercury glass (and not electronic) thermometer for exactly 10 minutes, this is very important. These signs may indicate diseases of the digestive system and, in particular, the state of dysbacteriosis.
– To what extent does the state of the intestinal flora affect the child’s immunity?
– When the intestinal microflora of a child changes for the worse, a decrease in immunity occurs. When a child has frequent colds, this also indicates that the digestive organs do not allow you to have 100% immunity. After all, a person’s immunity is 98% dependent on the state of the microflora of the colon. And when it is broken, immunity falls, which means that frequent colds appear.
– That is, if parents often have sick children, they should think about visiting a gastroenterologist?
– Like one of the moments. We know that many diseases: skin, teeth, mucous membranes, up to bronchial asthma, are sometimes a complication of diseases of the digestive system. When I am asked such questions, I immediately remember one case: the entertainer comes on stage and says: “I have a headache today.” His partner replies: “You must have eaten something wrong.” The audience in the hall laughs, but he said everything correctly. Headache can be a direct consequence of problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
– How does a doctor determine if a child has dysbacteriosis?
– There are various methods for studying the microbial flora in humans. It is very important when evaluating the analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis to take into account the age of the patient, the principles of his nutrition, the period of sowing: how it was collected, and when the feces were donated. And without taking into account these factors, it is impossible to correctly assess the result. Because the numbers will end up being different. I will give a simple example: if a patient consumes more fermented milk products, then he will have significantly less coli bacteria, but this does not mean that this is a disease. If he eats more meat, he will have more coli bacteria, and less bifidum, and so on. Therefore, the analysis itself must be interpreted taking into account all these points.
– When a child is tested, are all these factors examined thoroughly?
– Of course not.
– Then it turns out that it is impossible to accurately determine the presence of dysbacteriosis in a child?
– Without taking into account these factors, it is impossible. Therefore, many parents, when they turn to us for help, often wonder why we ask all the subtleties and details of nutrition, which, in principle, no one ever asks. Therefore, we are positively different in terms of treatment, and in terms of diagnosis, and in terms of results. And that’s why there is always a huge queue for us.
– What methods of treatment of dysbacteriosis exist and should it be treated at all?
– It is necessary to treat! It is necessary to start treatment with the underlying disease that led to this condition or from the reason that led to it. Naturally, drugs are initially prescribed that act directly on the elimination of the underlying cause. Suppose a child has gastritis, he is being treated and, plus, drugs are prescribed to improve the intestinal microflora of the child. If the child is in rooms where there are various home “devices-emitters” (TV, computer, microwave oven, radiotelephone, and others), then, accordingly, they should be used as little as possible. If drugs are the factor leading to the disease (antibiotics, etc.), then, if possible, they should be replaced or eliminated altogether. That is, it is first necessary to remove the factors that negatively affect the normal intestinal flora of the child. And only after that, it becomes possible to restore it.0007 – Will the doctor be able to determine exactly why dysbacteriosis has developed?
– Most often, we see the cause.
– Is there a prevention of dysbacteriosis?
– First of all, it is necessary to monitor the child’s health. Be sure to follow the principles of a healthy diet. The daily diet of a child should contain vegetable fiber (vegetables, fruits, cereals), which helps to restore the intestinal microflora. Naturally, the set should be complete: trace elements, vitamins, enzymes. The diet should be dominated by plant foods, be sure the child needs to consume sour-milk products and proteins, in the form of eggs, meat, chicken, fish. This will help restore normal intestinal flora.
– You can lead a healthy lifestyle, but it is much more difficult to protect yourself from stress and radiation. What is the way out in this case?
– The only thing is to get rid of the source of negativity. If, for example, you have stress at work, then you need to change your place of work. And this is absolutely serious, because we live once. Being in constant stress and being treated for diseases is not the best solution to the problem. It’s just pointless. No wonder the Japanese believe that the place of work should be changed once every five years. And at each enterprise they have an unloading room, in which there are dummies of chiefs. If the boss offended you, you go into this room and use a stick there to beat on this dummy. The boss, whose dummy is destroyed faster than the others, is fired from the enterprise. This is the prevention of diseases among employees and the struggle for higher productivity in the enterprise.
– It turns out that it is also not rational to live in the Chelyabinsk region, where the environment is not the best?
– Of course, living near the Mediterranean Sea or in the mountains of Georgia is much more useful than in the Chelyabinsk region. Let me give you a simple example: in 1991, through the Green Cross, we took children with gastroenterological pathologies for rehabilitation to Karlovy Vary. I took with me a huge box of medicines in case of exacerbation of diseases, because every child had a serious disease of the digestive system. And having lived there for 1.5 months, none of the children complained of feeling unwell. But as soon as we crossed Brest and went to a restaurant on the train, exactly during the two days that we were traveling, all the medicines we had stored were used. Children began to have health problems due to the deterioration in the quality of food, water and air.
– What is the role of heredity in the development of gastrointestinal diseases?
– Of course, the health of his parents plays a big role in a child’s health. They give him a predisposition to diseases of the digestive system. If the mother is not healthy, then the quality of her breast milk will be low, which is the next factor not in favor of the child.
– Does the mother have to follow a special diet or diet while breastfeeding?
– Meals should be complete and varied. In the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the mother with a preventive purpose, medications can be prescribed that improve her condition. The mother herself should pay the attention of the gynecologist to this, because her state of health at the time of the birth of the child plays an important role in shaping the health of the baby. In particular, how complete will be the composition of its intestinal microflora. After all, the colonization of normal microbes in the intestines of a child occurs in the womb, starting at 26-28 weeks.
– What foods are not recommended for children to eat?
– There are five main unhealthy foods: soda, mayonnaise, ketchup, chips and chewing gum. These are all products of genetic engineering. For example, prolonged use of chewing gum leads to dementia (the presence of phenols in it). Moreover, it is covered with a harmful flavoring substance. And its frequent use leads to a violation of the food reflex. And the next time you swallow food, the stomach will not be ready to digest it.
– And what foods are better not to give until the age of three?
– All products up to three years old must be natural, not canned! They can be used raw or cooked. Fried and smoked, pickled, chocolate, of course, is impossible. Although recently we have to talk about bad habits in young children, when mothers begin to give babies a teaspoon of vodka at night so that they sleep better. And for appetite children began to give beer. This has been happening quite often lately. Young children come to us with cirrhosis of the liver, because the mother, while breastfeeding the child, consumed alcoholic beverages and smoked.
– How do you feel about the use of milk in the diet of children?
– Given the fact that there are no perfectly healthy children, drinking milk may not be good for many of them. Milk can contribute to the excessive growth of microflora, and sometimes the child’s body is not able to digest it (lactase deficiency). Therefore, we, gastroenterologists, are more in favor of the use of fermented milk products, cheeses.
– If a child is forced to take antibiotics, what should be done as a preventive measure so that dysbacteriosis does not develop?
– It is best to take antibiotics with a decoction of herbs, such as yarrow, plantain, chamomile or oregano. They reduce the negative impact of antibiotics on the intestinal mucosa and its microflora by 80%.
– How common are diseases of the digestive system?
– Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children are in second place after respiratory infections. And this is if we take into account that the child suffers from acute respiratory viral infections 2-3 times a year, and the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease is made once.
– Do you treat children only from the region or from Chelyabinsk too?
– CHODKB serves residents of the Chelyabinsk region, regardless of its territories, that is, this includes Chelyabinsk. But given the fact that Chelyabinsk has a sufficient number of gastroenterological beds and specialists, diagnostics are also at a high level, we try to take only the most severe and complex cases from Chelyabinsk. And the last stage, if we can no longer provide assistance, the Institute of Pediatrics in Moscow takes care of patients.
– How do children get to you?
– They come in the direction of doctors from the territory of the region for a consultation appointment at the children’s regional clinic to a gastroenterologist. After examining the child, and after conducting the necessary research, the doctor decides the need for his hospitalization or treatment on an outpatient basis. The second option for the patient to arrive at the regional children’s clinic or for hospitalization in the department is an examination by a gastroenterologist “field clinic”. This is when our specialists advise children at their place of residence.

Olga Melchakova, Uralpress news agency

VACCINATION OF THE POPULATION.

– GBUZ “Crimean Central District Hospital” MH KK

What is vaccination?

Vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect against diseases before a person comes into contact with their pathogens. Vaccination activates the body’s natural defense mechanisms to build resistance to a range of infectious diseases and makes your immune system stronger.

Like diseases, vaccines train the immune system to produce specific antibodies. However, vaccines contain only killed or attenuated forms of the causative agents of a particular disease – viruses or bacteria – that do not lead to the disease and do not create the risk of complications associated with it.

Most vaccines are given by injection, although there are also oral vaccines (given by mouth) and nasal aerosol vaccines (given through the nose).

How does the vaccine work:

Vaccines reduce the risk of disease by activating natural defense mechanisms to build immunity to the pathogen. Vaccination provokes the body’s immune response. Immune system:

• Recognizes pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.
• Begins production of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins naturally produced by the body’s immune system to fight disease.
• Remembers the causative agent to deal with it in the future. If this pathogen enters the body again, the immune system will quickly destroy it, preventing the development of the disease.

Thus, vaccination is a safe and rational way to induce an immune response in the body without the need to infect it with a particular disease.

Our immune system has a memory. By receiving one or more doses of a vaccine, we are usually protected against a particular disease for many years, decades, or even a lifetime. This is what makes vaccines so effective. Vaccines keep us from getting sick, which is much better than having to treat the disease when it has already begun.

When should I get vaccinated:

Vaccines protect us throughout our lives and at all ages – right after birth, during childhood, adolescence and into old age. In most countries, people are given vaccination cards that show which vaccinations an adult or child has received and when the next vaccinations are due. It is important that all indicated vaccinations are up to date.

By delaying vaccination, we put ourselves at risk of becoming seriously ill. If we wait until the moment when a vaccine is urgently needed – for example, if an outbreak of a disease has begun – then it may be too late to get the desired effect of vaccination or all the necessary doses of the vaccine.

Why you should get vaccinated:

Without vaccination, we are at risk of serious diseases such as measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and polio. Many of these diseases are life threatening. The WHO estimates that childhood vaccines alone save more than 4 million lives each year.

Although some diseases are becoming less common, their pathogens continue to circulate in some or all regions of the world. In today’s world, infectious diseases can easily cross borders and infect anyone who lacks immunity to them.

There are two main reasons to get vaccinated: to protect yourself and to protect others. Since some people, such as newborns and people with serious illnesses or those with certain allergies, may not be vaccinated, their protection against vaccine-preventable diseases depends on the availability of vaccinations in others.

Who should not be vaccinated:

Almost anyone can be vaccinated. However, for people with certain diseases and conditions, some vaccinations are contraindicated or should be deferred to a later date. These diseases and conditions may include:

• chronic diseases or treatments (eg chemotherapy) that suppress the immune system;
• acute and life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccine components, which is extremely rare;
• severe illness at the time of vaccination. However, these children should be vaccinated as soon as they recover. Moderate malaise or subfebrile temperature is not a contraindication for vaccination.

Often the need to consider these factors depends on the type of vaccine. If you are not sure whether you should get a particular vaccine, ask your doctor. Your doctor will help you make an informed decision about your or your child’s vaccinations.

What diseases does the vaccine protect against:

Vaccines protect against a FULL DISEASE, including the following:

• Tuberculosis Hepatitis A, B
• Diphtheria
• Rabies
• Measles
• Rubella
• Mumps
• Covid-19
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Poliomyelitis
• Rotavirus
• Typhoid fever
• Chickenpox
• Yellow fever

A number of vaccines for several other diseases, including Ebola or malaria, are currently under development or trial, but these vaccines have not yet been widely used worldwide. Not all vaccinations may be required in your country. Vaccinations against certain diseases may only be required for people who travel to certain countries or who are at increased risk due to their professional activities. Ask your doctor what vaccinations you and your family members need.

Why vaccines are started at an early age:

In their daily lives, young children can be in many different places and come into contact with many different people, thereby exposing them to a serious risk of infection. The WHO-recommended immunization schedule allows infants and young children to be protected as early as possible against a range of diseases. Often, infants and young children are most at risk of illness because their immune systems are not yet fully developed and their bodies are less able to fight off infections. Therefore, it is extremely important to vaccinate children according to the recommended schedule.

What is in the vaccine: All components of the vaccine play an important role for its safety and effectiveness. The composition of vaccines, in particular, includes the following components:

• Antigen. This is a killed or weakened form of any microorganism – a virus or a bacterium – on which our body learns to recognize and destroy the causative agent of the disease if it encounters it in the future.
• Adjuvants that help enhance the body’s immune response. Without them, vaccines would be less effective.
• Preservatives to keep vaccines effective.
• Stabilizers to preserve the vaccine during storage and transport.

Names of ingredients on vaccine packages may be confusing. However, many of them are naturally present in the body, environment and food. All of the components of vaccines, like the vaccines themselves, are subject to rigorous testing and monitoring for their safety.

Are vaccines safe:

Vaccinations are safe and usually cause minor and temporary side effects, such as arm pain or mild fever. More serious side effects are possible, but they are extremely rare.

Any licensed vaccine is rigorously tested through several phases of clinical trials before it is approved for use and regularly evaluated after introduction. Scientists are also constantly monitoring information from a range of sources for signs that a given vaccine may pose a health risk.

It must be remembered that the risk of serious harm to health from a vaccine-preventable disease is much greater than the risk associated with vaccination. For example, tetanus can cause severe pain, convulsions and thrombosis, and measles can lead to encephalitis (infection of the brain) and blindness. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can even be fatal. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and without vaccines, the world would experience an order of magnitude more illness and death.

If the vaccines have side effects:

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause mild side effects such as low grade fever and pain or redness at the injection site. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days.

Severe or long-term side effects are extremely rare. The chance of experiencing a serious adverse body reaction to a vaccine is 1 in a million.

The safety of vaccines is subject to ongoing monitoring and is continuously monitored for rare adverse reactions.

How vaccines are developed and tested:

The most commonly used vaccines have been used for decades, and every year millions of people receive them safely. Like all medicines, every vaccine must undergo extensive, rigorous testing to assess its safety before it can be introduced in countries.

Experimental vaccines are first tested in animals to evaluate their safety and ability to prevent disease. They are then tested in human clinical trials, which consist of three phases.

• During the first phase of the trial, the vaccine is administered to a small number of volunteers to evaluate its safety, make sure it generates an immune response, and determine the correct dose.
• During the second phase of the trial, the vaccine is typically administered to hundreds of volunteers, who are closely monitored for any side effects and further evaluation of its ability to generate an immune response. Data on disease outcomes are also collected at this stage whenever possible, but these data are usually not sufficient to provide a clear picture of the impact of the vaccine on the disease. Participants in this phase of the trial share the same characteristics (such as age and gender) as the people for whom the vaccine is intended. At this stage, some volunteers receive the vaccine and others do not, allowing comparisons to be made and conclusions about the vaccine to be made.
• During the third phase of the trial, the vaccine is administered to thousands of volunteers, some of whom receive the study vaccine and some do not, as in the second phase of the trial. The data from both groups are carefully compared to determine whether the vaccine is safe and effective in protecting against the disease it is intended to target.

Once clinical trial results are available, a number of steps must be taken before a vaccine can be included in a national immunization program, including efficacy, safety, and manufacturing reviews for regulatory approval and public health policy approval.

After the introduction of the vaccine, careful monitoring continues to detect any unexpected unwanted side effects and further evaluate its effectiveness under conditions of regular use in even more people, which will allow understanding how to best use the vaccine to ensure the greatest protective effect.

Can a child have more than one vaccine at a time:

Scientific evidence shows that giving more than one vaccine at the same time has no negative consequences. Every day, children are exposed to several hundred foreign substances that trigger the body’s immune response. A simple meal is accompanied by the entry of new microorganisms into the body, and many bacteria live in the nose and mouth.

The ability to combine multiple vaccines (eg diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus) reduces the number of injections and reduces discomfort for the child. In addition, it allows you to know for sure that the child received the right vaccinations at the right time and will not catch a potentially fatal disease.

If you have any questions about the vaccination, be sure to ask your doctor. He or she will be able to give you evidence-based information about vaccinations, including the recommended vaccination schedule in your country for you and your family members.

When looking for information about vaccines on the Internet, look only to trusted sources. To help you find these sources, WHO has reviewed and “certified” many websites in many languages ​​around the world to contain only information based on sound scientific evidence and independent analysis by leading technical experts.

WHO works to ensure that all people around the world are protected with safe and effective vaccines.