ear infection (otitis media)
by william samuels·
ear infections are extremely common in children — about 75% of children will have at least one by age 3. they happen when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected. they're more common after a cold.
contagious
no
incubation
develops 2–7 days after a cold
contagious for
ear infections themselves are not contagious, but the cold that causes them is
exclusion
no exclusion required
symptoms
- •ear pain (babies may tug at their ear)
- •fever
- •irritability, especially when lying down
- •difficulty sleeping
- •fluid draining from the ear
- •trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- •loss of appetite
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is under 6 months old
- •symptoms don't improve after 2–3 days
- •fluid or pus draining from the ear
- •high fever (above 39°C)
- •your child seems very unwell
- •recurrent ear infections (3+ in 6 months)
- •you're concerned about hearing
in an emergency, call 000.
home treatment
- •give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
- •place a warm (not hot) cloth over the ear for comfort
- •keep your child's head slightly elevated
- •most ear infections clear up without antibiotics in 2–3 days
- •do not put anything in the ear canal
- •see your GP — they may prescribe antibiotics if it's bacterial and not improving
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000.