Infections in Children: A Sourcebook for Educators and Child Care Providers, 2nd ed.

Written for educators and child care providers, this text provides excellent guidelines for infections in children. It is organized into two sections: basic information about infection control and very detailed chapters on specific types of infections. Hygiene and infection control principles are given for child care staff members, educators, and parents. Explanations of how infections and diseases are transmitted are detailed and clear.

In the chapter on immunizations, the schedule for administering vaccinations to healthy infants and children is given. The explanation of the contents of each vaccine and its possible side effects is helpful. The importance of up-to-date immunizations for children in day-care centers and preschools is stressed. Explanations of frequent disastrous effects of diseases on nonimmunized children are impressive. The communicable diseases are described, and incubation periods and exclusion periods for day care are given.

These are detailed chapters on specific types of infections and illness such as skin rashes, gastrointestinal tract disease, hepatitis, respiratory illnesses, nervous system diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Lyme disease, and eye and ear infections. The cause, signs, symptoms, method of diagnosis, treatment, complications, and recommendations are given for each. There are a few color plates illustrating common skin rashes and oral candidiasis. Also included are illustrations explaining a tympanogram and the anatomy of the ear.

Practical suggestions for proper hand-washing techniques, prevention of disease, and criteria for exclusion of sick children in day-care centers are given. Useful references such as manuals for caregivers and health professionals are given in an appendix. One appendix gives parent handouts on common infectious disease. Others give proper diapering and hand-washing techniques.

The glossary contains very clear, helpful definitions written in layperson's terminology. The information could be useful to educators, caregivers, and parents. An eight-page index is included.

Although the book contains many descriptions of serious infectious illnesses and their complications, it is not written in an alarming manner. The authors place an emphasis on the common-sense approach to management of illness and how to determine when medical attention is required. It contains a compilation of the most recent research on vaccines and information on infectious diseases. It is a clearly written and well-organized text.

This very practical book appears to fulfill its intended use for caregivers, educators, and parents of young children. It should be available as a handy reference for educators in the preschool, elementary school grades, day-care givers, and parents as well. Physical therapy practitioners who work with children may find this to be a useful reference.