Ear Infections

1
Ear Infections

• A School Health Perspective

2
What is an Ear Infection?

• Ear infections can occur in the ear canal and the
  inner ear, most occur in the middle ear (otitis
  media) due to allergies, colds, respiratory tract
  irritations.
• Infections can occur due to bacteria entering the
  ear canals skin lining. Moisture is a prime
  suspect.
• Pus may collect in the ear canal (otitis externa
  aka. swimmers ear)

3
What are the signs and symptoms?

• Children with ear infections may show the
  following symptoms
• Fever
• Ear drainage
• Pain inside of ear or when moving ear lobe
• Fussing and crying while sucking

4
What are the incubation and contagious periods?

• Incubation period Depends on the virus or
  bacterial cause. Swimmers ear is within a day.
• Contagious period Infections are not contagious.

5
How is it spread?

• Infections are not contagious.

6
How can I control it?

• Keep the ears dry
• Keep children with respiratory infections
  hydrated
• Keep air in room from being too dry
• Winter 65-75 (30-50 humidity)
• Summer 68-82 (30-50 humidity)
• Good outside air exchange
• Rinse out canals with clean water for ear canal
  infections.
• Dry the ears

7
Exclude from group settings?

• No