Learn what you need to know about common infections


Learn what you need to do about common infections.
 

 
 

 

Ear Infection Follow Up

Ear infections are curable with treatment but may recur, so a follow-up with your health care provider may be necessary.

Preventive measures to avoid recurrence of infection in children can be taken, including:

  • Washing hands and toys frequently. Also, daycare with 6 or fewer children can lessen your child's chances of getting a cold or similar infection.
  • Avoiding pacifiers, especially at daycare.
  • Breastfeeding. This makes a child much less prone to ear infections. But, if bottle feeding, hold your infant in an upright, seated position.
  • Not exposing your child to secondhand smoke.
  • The pneumococcal vaccine prevents infections from the organism that most commonly causes acute ear infections and many respiratory infections.
  • Some evidence suggests that xylitol, a natural sweetener, may reduce ear infections.
  • Avoiding overuse of antibiotics.