Infectious diseases are one of the most common reasons kids see their doctors. Experts in our Pediatric Infectious Disease Program treat kids and teens with a wide range of infections and illnesses. They range from minor to life-threatening.

Kids who come to see us may have a fever that lasts for no clear reason. Or they may have an infection after a tick bite that needs care right away. We also see kids with weak immune systems who get sick often.

We’re a leader in caring for kids with rabies. We also have a complete program for kids, teens, women and pregnant people living with HIV.

Our infectious disease experts treat infections of all types, including:

• Respiratory infection: This can cause a cough, fever or trouble breathing from viruses like the flu (influenza).
• Rabies: This is a rare but serious infection. It can happen if an infected animal scratches or bites a child.
• HIV: A virus that affects the immune system. It needs daily medicine to stay healthy.
• Lyme disease: An infection from a tick bite. It causes fatigue, fever, joint pain or a rash.
• Chronic infections: These are long-lasting illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or tuberculosis. They don’t go away easily.
• Unexplained fevers: Fevers that last or return without a clear reason.
• Infections from immune problems: A weak immune system can make it easier to get sick. It also makes the infections harder to treat.

Our Pediatric Infectious Disease Program improves and shares knowledge on treating infectious diseases. This helps improve care for kids and teens.

Programs, treatment and tests include:

• The Lori Haker Visiting Professorship in Infectious Disease: This brings top doctors together. They share the latest research and progress in treating kids with infectious diseases.
• HIV Treater's Meeting: This is a meeting for providers who have cared for patients with HIV for more than 10 years ago. They gather to share information.
• Midwest Respiratory Virus Program (MRVP): This lab program improves tests for viral infections. MRVP played a key role in the 2009 influenza (H1N1) pandemic.