If your child has a recurring or persistent disease caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, a fungus, a parasite, or other rare infection, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist has the experience and qualifications to help your pediatrician diagnose and treat your child. Pediatric infectious diseases specialists treat children from birth through the teen years.

What kind of training do pediatric infectious diseases specialists have?

Pediatric infectious diseases specialists are medical doctors who have

• Graduated from medical school
• Completed pediatric residency training (at least 3 years)
• Completed infectious diseases training (at least 3 years)
• Certification as a pediatric infectious diseases specialist from the American Board of Pediatrics

What types of treatments do pediatric infectious diseases specialists provide?

Pediatric infectious diseases specialists treat a wide range of infectious and immunologic diseases such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Other pediatric infectious diseases specialists are consulted for diseases that are complicated or atypical, including

• Illnesses that are of unclear cause, have prolonged fever, or are recurrent
• Respiratory infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Hepatitis
• Meningitis

Where can I find a pediatric infectious diseases specialist?

Pediatric infectious diseases specialists typically practice in large community hospitals and university medical centers. Some pediatric infectious diseases specialists have their own private practices.

Pediatric infectious diseases specialists—the best care for children

Children are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and have unique medical needs. They usually express their concerns differently than adults do. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative. Pediatric infectious diseases specialists know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. They also understand the unique signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes/prognoses associated with infectious diseases in children, which can be quite different from those of adults with such infections.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child be evaluated by a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible care.

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 #AAP