Fever Facts, Ear Infections, and How to Identify Common Kids’ Illnesses

What temperature is a fever? Are ear infections contagious? What is colic in babies? These common children’s health questions and more can be answered by the pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s.

Read on for their helpful guidance on some of the most common conditions and illnesses you’ll encounter over the years. And, for more straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice, you can visit Connecticut Childrens’ Growing Healthy Blog or subscribe to their information-packed newsletter.

PRENATAL: Heart conditions

Factors like a family history of congenital heart defects or a possible chromosomal abnormality may indicate that your baby is at higher risk for a heart condition. If your OB has any concerns, you might be referred to a fetal cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram. Learn what to expect during this safe and painless test, and how a diagnosis may impact your pregnancy and delivery.

Read more about prenatal conditions >

NEWBORN: Colic

Crying is normal and expected in newborns, but colic is infamous for a reason. If your baby’s crying feels out of control and is primarily happening in the late afternoon and early evening, use the following list of questions to help determine if colic might be to blame. You’ll also find helpful tips for supporting both your newborn and yourself, along with advice on when to reach out to your pediatrician.

Learn more about newborn care >

INFANT: Fever

There’s a lot of fever fear-mongering out there, but should parents really panic when the thermometer reads 100.4? What about 104? Find out why fever is sometimes your friend, whether those fever-reducing medications are really necessary, and three other super helpful fever facts that will help you during the infant days and beyond. Also learn when a temperature means it’s time to seek out immediate medical attention.

Other common infant conditions decoded >

TODDLER: Ear Infections

Not only are ear infections incredibly common among toddlers–ear tube surgery has become the most common surgery among children in the United States. This 5-15 minute procedure can help prevent recurrent infections and improve hearing in kids who are prone to fluid build-up in their inner ear. Find out whether ear tube surgery could be a fit for your child, and learn more about the process from a pediatric ENT.

Read more about toddler illnesses >

CHILD: Tummy Troubles

If stomach aches are a frequent occurrence in your house, you may not be surprised to hear that abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons kids visit their pediatricians. But once you’ve visited a doctor to rule out anything too serious, how do you navigate continued complaints? Get seven helpful tummy ache tips from a pediatric psychologist, from simply believing your kiddo to working together to create meaningful solutions.

Learn about other childhood ailments >

TEEN: Seasonal Depression

Shorter days and less sunlight can make kids–and adults–feel sad and sluggish. But sometimes this is indicative of a more serious depressive condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Take a look at the most common symptoms of SAD, and find out what to do if you suspect your teen may be suffering. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options for all ages.

Other health considerations for teens >

ADULT CHILD: Mononucleosis

While mononucleosis is a common viral infection that can be contracted at any age, parents so often hear about the way it makes its way around college campuses. Known to some as “the kissing disease” because it primarily spreads through saliva, colleges are prime hotspots because everyone is living and socializing in close quarters. While there’s really no way to prevent the virus, get some tips for helping your teen reduce their mono risk. From good hygiene to eating a balanced diet, there are some meaningful ways to increase your chances of staying healthy.

Navigating health challenges with adult children >

AT EVERY AGE: If you’re ever concerned about your child’s physical or mental health–or you’d like some additional resources–don’t hesitate to see a doctor. If you need a pediatrician, schedule a virtual video visit with an expert at Connecticut Children’s or book an in-person appointment at the location closest to home. And for helpful health advice throughout your parenting journey, sign-up for Connecticut Childrens’ newsletter.

For more timely health and safety tips, visit the Connecticut Children’s blog. Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.