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Most Common Infections in Children and How to Prevent Them?
Jul 17, 2025
Children explore the world with wide eyes, eager curiosity, and sometimes not-so-clean hands. Their growing immune systems, while learning to fight off germs, can make them more prone to infections. It is not unusual for parents to see runny noses, mild fevers, or sudden stomach upset pop up without warning. While many infections are mild and self-limiting, some may need close observation and timely care to prevent complications.
At Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, we see thousands of cases yearly with common infections in children. The good news is that most of them are preventable with simple hygiene practices, vaccinations, and early care.
In this article, let us look at some of the most frequent infections affecting children and how to protect your little one.
The common cold is caused by several viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, mild fever, and sore throat. Children may experience up to 8–10 colds a year.
How to Prevent It?
Flu is a seasonal viral infection that spreads quickly in schools and daycares. It causes high fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue.
How To Prevent It?
Middle ear infections often follow colds or throat infections. Children may tug at their ears, become irritable, or develop a fever.
How To Prevent It?
Gastroenteritis or stomach flu causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, usually due to viruses like rotavirus or norovirus. Dehydration is a serious concern in small children.
How To Prevent It?
A contagious viral infection causing fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes on hands and feet. It usually affects children under five.
How To Prevent It?
Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox causes itchy blisters, fever, and fatigue. It spreads easily through the air or contact with fluid from the rash.
How To Prevent It?
Worms such as roundworms, pinworms, or hookworms enter through contaminated food, water, or soil. They may cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and itching around the anus.
How To Prevent It?
An infection of the eye’s outer membrane, often viral or bacterial. It causes redness, itching, tearing, and sometimes yellow discharge.
How To Prevent It?
How To Prevent It?
We also focus on preventive health. Our pediatricians work closely with parents to track your child’s vaccination schedule, promote healthy habits, and educate families on early signs of illness.
While it is impossible to prevent every infection, early action and awareness can make a world of difference. Keep up with your child’s health checks, follow the immunisation schedule, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice when something seems off.
At Rainbow Children’s Hospital, a healthy childhood lays the foundation for a happy future. If you are looking for the best pediatric hospital, we are here to care, guide, and grow with you.
For More Information and Appointments, Please Call:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
At Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, we see thousands of cases yearly with common infections in children. The good news is that most of them are preventable with simple hygiene practices, vaccinations, and early care.
In this article, let us look at some of the most frequent infections affecting children and how to protect your little one.
Common Cold and Viral Upper Respiratory Infections
What Is It?The common cold is caused by several viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, mild fever, and sore throat. Children may experience up to 8–10 colds a year.
How to Prevent It?
- Teach your child to wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Clean toys and surfaces regularly.
- Encourage covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing.
Influenza (Flu)
What Is It?Flu is a seasonal viral infection that spreads quickly in schools and daycares. It causes high fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue.
How To Prevent It?
- Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe flu.
- Keep your child home during outbreaks if they show any symptoms.
- Maintain good nutrition to build a stronger immune response.
Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
What Is It?Middle ear infections often follow colds or throat infections. Children may tug at their ears, become irritable, or develop a fever.
How To Prevent It?
- Avoid bottle feeding while the baby is lying down.
- Breastfeeding during the first 6–12 months can offer protection.
- Ensure your child is vaccinated against pneumococcus and flu.
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
What Is It?Gastroenteritis or stomach flu causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, usually due to viruses like rotavirus or norovirus. Dehydration is a serious concern in small children.
How To Prevent It?
- Wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet.
- Keep drinking water clean and safe.
- Get your child vaccinated against rotavirus.
- Avoid street food and undercooked meals.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
What Is It?A contagious viral infection causing fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes on hands and feet. It usually affects children under five.
How To Prevent It?
- Maintain hand hygiene after diaper changes or toilet use.
- Disinfect toys, surfaces, and everyday items at home.
- Avoid sending your child to school or daycare until fully recovered.
Chickenpox
What Is It?Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox causes itchy blisters, fever, and fatigue. It spreads easily through the air or contact with fluid from the rash.
How To Prevent It?
- Vaccination is the best prevention method.
- Isolate the infected child until all blisters have crusted over.
- Maintain hygiene to avoid secondary skin infections.
Worm Infections (Intestinal Parasites)
What Is It?
How To Prevent It?
- Deworming as advised by your pediatrician (usually every 6 months).
- Encourage children to wear footwear outdoors.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
What Is It?An infection of the eye’s outer membrane, often viral or bacterial. It causes redness, itching, tearing, and sometimes yellow discharge.
How To Prevent It?
- Do not share towels, eye drops, or pillows.
- Teach your child not to rub their eyes.
- Keep infected children at home until cleared by the doctor.
Skin Infections
Children are prone to bacterial infections like impetigo, especially after insect bites or scrapes. Fungal infections like ringworm also spread in warm, humid conditions.How To Prevent It?
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Avoid sharing towels, clothes, or combs.
- Treat cuts and wounds quickly with an antiseptic.
Partnering with a Trusted Pediatric Hospital in Bangalore
Rainbow Hospitals is known for its comprehensive pediatric care and expert team of child specialists. From accurate diagnosis to timely treatment and long-term follow-up of common infections in children, we ensure your child receives the best medical support in a safe, child-friendly environment.We also focus on preventive health. Our pediatricians work closely with parents to track your child’s vaccination schedule, promote healthy habits, and educate families on early signs of illness.
While it is impossible to prevent every infection, early action and awareness can make a world of difference. Keep up with your child’s health checks, follow the immunisation schedule, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice when something seems off.
At Rainbow Children’s Hospital, a healthy childhood lays the foundation for a happy future. If you are looking for the best pediatric hospital, we are here to care, guide, and grow with you.
For More Information and Appointments, Please Call:
FAQs
1. How many infections per year are normal for a child?
It’s common for young children to catch 6 to 8 infections per year, especially colds and stomach bugs. Their immune systems are still developing. Frequent but mild infections aren’t usually a cause for concern unless they impact growth, sleep, or daily activity.2. What vaccinations help prevent common childhood infections?
Vaccines protect against several serious infections, including measles, chickenpox, hepatitis, rotavirus, influenza, and pneumococcal disease. Following the national immunisation schedule is one of the best ways to reduce your child’s risk.3. When should I take my child to the doctor for an infection?
See a doctor if your child has:- A high fever that doesn’t improve
- Dehydration signs (dry mouth, low urine, fatigue)
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Skin rashes that spread or worsen quickly
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
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