Bacteremia

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KEY POINTS

• When bacteria are in your child's bloodstream, it is called bacteremia. In most cases, your child’s immune system removes the bacteria from the bloodstream with no harm. Depending on the bacteria and your child's health, your child may develop a serious infection that affects the entire body.
• Your child may need a repeat blood test. Your child may get antibiotic medicine and may need to stay in the hospital. Ask your child’s healthcare provider how long it will take for your child to recover and how to take care of your child at home.
• Keep your child’s immunizations (shots) up to date. Many of the shots routinely given during childhood protect against the types of bacteria that can cause serious infections in the blood.

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What is bacteremia?

When bacteria are in your child's bloodstream it’s called bacteremia. Tests for this condition are most commonly done in children 3 months to 3 years of age who have a fever. In most cases, your child’s immune system removes the bacteria from the bloodstream with no harm. Bacteremia is a problem if it causes a fever and makes your child sick.

What is the cause?

Bacteremia is usually caused by bacteria that grows normally in the nose and throat or other parts of the body and then gets into the bloodstream. The bacteria may be spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing, or from touching something that has the bacteria on it such as toys or door handles. The bacteria may also be those that live in and on our bodies. If bacteria enter a child’s bloodstream, the child's immune system will usually get rid of the bacteria without treatment. The immune system is the body’s defense against infection. Depending on the type of bacteria and your child's health, your child may develop a serious infection that affects the entire body and can be fatal.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom is fever.

How is it diagnosed?

Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and examine your child. Your child will have blood tests to check for bacteria.

How is it treated?

Bacterial infections that involve the bloodstream may be treated with antibiotic medicine that is usually given by injection (shot) or IV.

If your child is seriously ill or if there is concern that the bacteria has spread to another part of your child’s body, your child may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

How can I take care of my child?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:

• Only if your healthcare provider advises you to do so, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever. Read the label carefully and give your child the correct dose as directed.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
  • Acetaminophen may cause liver damage or other problems. Do not give more doses than directed. To make sure you don’t give your child too much, check other medicines your child takes to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, your child should not take this medicine for more than 5 days.
• Make sure your child drinks lots of liquids, even though your child may not want to drink while feeling ill.

Ask your child’s provider:

• How long it will take for your child to recover
• If there are activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities
• How to take care of your child at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them

Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent bacteremia?

Keep your child’s immunizations (shots) up to date. Many of the shots routinely given during childhood protect against the types of bacteria that can cause bacteremia.