Pediatrics
Infectious Disease Care for Children
We deliver trusted care for infectious diseases, including rare and difficult-to-treat diagnoses. Dedication to our community’s well-being means we take extra steps to help children and their families stay well.
Medically reviewed by Dean Blumberg, M.D. on June 05, 2023.
Childhood Infectious Disease Care, Prevention and Education
Pediatric infectious disease doctors lead our program. They work with experts across UC Davis Health to provide prompt evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, so your child receives the care they need.
We provide inpatient, outpatient and telehealth services for seamless, comprehensive care that brings healing.
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Our Difference
Coordinated Team Approach
Pediatric infectious disease doctors work closely with an infectious disease clinical nurse specialist, pharmacist and registered dietitian. We work together to tailor therapies and make timely adjustments, giving your child the best chances for good results.
Safe, Appropriate Care
Antibiotics are a standard infectious disease treatment, but taking them too often can build your body's resistance. This means the infection does not respond to medication as it should, making therapies less effective. Our antimicrobial stewardship team uses sophisticated methods to help children achieve good care outcomes while lowering their risk of resistance.
Uncommon Expertise
We offer Sacramento County’s only specialty clinic for HIV infection and AIDS in infants, children and adolescents. You can count on us for personalized therapies that optimize well-being. We also help children transition smoothly to adult providers when the time is right.
What Are Infectious Diseases?
Infectious diseases occur when cells and organisms (pathogens) like parasites, bacteria and viruses enter your body. Pathogens are present in food, water, the air and on surfaces of everyday objects. Infections occur when they increase rapidly, and your body can’t get rid of them.
Common Types of Infectious Diseases
Pediatric Viral Infections
These infections develop due to viruses, which are germs that reproduce in your cells. Types of viral infections we treat include influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV) and chickenpox (varicella). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are also part of this group.
Bacterial Infections in Children
These infections occur when the number of harmful bacteria (microbes) rapidly increases in your child's body. This infection type includes salmonella, pneumonia, Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Parasites in Children
Parasitic infections are due to parasites, tiny organisms that rely on a host to survive. Types of parasitic infections include malaria, tapeworm, bed bugs and lice.
Infectious Disease Risk Factors
Infectious disease risk factors make it more likely that your body cannot fight off a pathogen.
Weakened Immune System
A healthy immune system often fights off germs and bacteria that can lead to infectious diseases. In some children, medical issues, such as AIDS and lupus, along with certain medications can weaken the immune system. This makes it more difficult for your child's body to remain healthy.
International Travel
Traveling to other parts of the world increases your exposure to parasites, viruses or bacteria that your body is not used to. Your child may also be at risk due to unhealthy air or living conditions, away or at home.
Not Being Current on Shots (Immunizations)
Shots trigger an immune system response, boosting your child's ability to fight certain infections. If your child is not up to date on their vaccines, they might not have immunity against preventable infectious diseases.
Age
Younger children face a higher risk of infectious diseases because their immune systems have not fully developed (immature).
Conditions and Treatments
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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