What Are Infections?

Most parents and caregivers can agree that when it comes to common infections, such as a child’s ear infection, urgent care is the next step. But what exactly are infections? Infections are illnesses caused by pathogens - germs, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and prions that enter the body. These pathogens can enter our body through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the animals and people with whom we interact.

Infections are normal for children. And when your child needs pediatric infection treatment, Alaska Children’s is ready to provide effective and supportive care.

Here are some of the common infections we treat, along with their treatment methods:

Skin Infection:

Our staff will analyze the infected area and try to determine the cause. Different skin infections might call for different approaches. For kids’ skin infection treatment in Alaska, we might prescribe a topical antibiotic, antifungal cream, or ointment. Or, we might opt for an oral medication if the infection is widespread. Proper hygiene is key to healing the affected area and ensuring the infection doesn’t return or spread.

Sore Throat:

Our pediatric specialists will determine whether the sore throat is due to irritation or to bacteria. When it comes to a child’s sore throat treatment in Alaska, we may simply need to offer more rest, over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, and nonabrasive foods and drinks. On the other hand, if strep is present, we will need to prescribe an antibiotic.

RSV:

If you need pediatric RSV testing in Anchorage, our team can help you with an evaluation and swab. RSV is a serious illness. Our specialists can help parents determine if rest at home will be sufficient or if antiviral drugs might be called for.

UTIs:

Our pediatric specialists can diagnose and treat UTIs in children, providing same-day care in Anchorage. Antibiotics are usually needed for a UTI. Our team can evaluate the child’s symptoms and offer next steps.

Ear Infection:

When you want to know how to help a child with an ear infection, it’s always good to talk to the experts. Our team can look for infection as well as proper fluid drainage. Our pediatric specialists can provide advice, write a prescription, and advise if ear tubes or other interventions are needed.

Symptoms of Pediatric Infections

Symptoms of infections vary widely depending on age, site of infection, and type of pathogen.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Head and muscle aches

• Cough and runny nose (for respiratory infections)

• Rash, redness, swelling, or pain (in skin infections)

Causes and Risk Factors of Pediatric Infections

Children are often at risk for infections because they are not yet adept at basic hygiene habits that promote health. Babies and toddlers are likely to pick up germs when putting objects in their mouths, a normal part of development as they explore their environments. Older children often get infections during social interactions; they are frequently in close proximity to many other kids multiple times a day at schools, daycare centers, and extracurricular activities. One of the best preventative care measures parents can provide is teaching children to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.

When to Seek Pediatric Infection Treatment in Alaska

When children have mild symptoms and are generally acting as their normal selves, it’s often a sign that their bodies are managing the infection. When children have high fevers or multiple days of fevers, pain, and other symptoms, it might be time to consult a doctor. When breathing issues or other life-threatening situations develop, call 911 or go to a hospital immediately.

When children have ear infections or other illnesses and need urgent care, our pediatricians at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach are ready to make them comfortable, answer questions, and help them on their way to wellness. Our providers offer same-day and next-day appointments at our Anchorage clinic starting at 11 a.m. every morning, available 7 days a week. Patients who book online will see the shortest wait times. Walk-in patients are also welcome.

All patients can expect to be asked questions, receive timely evaluations, and be treated with compassion.

Alaska Children’s Offers Telehealth Options

Alaska can feel remote, but state-of-the-art medical care exists and is available. Geography is often a barrier for many Alaskan children who need healthcare services to treat infections. That is why Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach offers statewide telehealth options. From Sitka to Denali to Fairbanks and all the rural communities in between, we want to provide quality care to children across the state. Inclusivity matters at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach.

This key value that our team embodies has led us to offer telehealth appointments from 8 am to midnight. This is a statewide service with board-certified medical providers. Most insurances are accepted, and no app is needed - any device with video capability and internet connection will work. We can even send prescriptions electronically to the patient’s local pharmacy.

If we cannot effectively find solutions with a telehealth appointment, our team will advise you on the next steps.

Why Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach

Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach is accepting new patients and offers quick and reliable pediatric infection treatment throughout Alaska. We offer same-day care for children in Anchorage for illnesses such as ear, throat, respiratory, and UTI infections, and more! We also offer telehealth appointments, where your child can receive treatment from the comfort of home.

Every child is valued, and we bring innovation and expertise to every situation. As pediatric-focused specialists, we prioritize a child-friendly environment and convenience for parents.

Medical Disclaimer: This webpage is designed to offer information. It cannot provide specific medical advice for each individual’s unique situation. Please reach out to a qualified medical provider for diagnosis and care options tailored to you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions