What Does a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Do?

Pediatric infectious disease specialists are doctors who diagnose and treat infections in children. These infections may be persistent, recurrent, or complex. They help care for children with bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic illnesses, including those who have weakened immune systems. Here’s a quick look at what they do day to day:

Diagnosing Complex or Unusual Infections:

They are experts at figuring out why an infection isn’t getting better, keeps returning, or appears in an unusual way.

Interpreting Specialized Tests:

They use bloodwork, cultures, imaging studies, and molecular tests to identify the organism causing the infection and to guide treatment.

Creating Targeted Treatment Plans:

Once they determine the cause of the infection, they develop personalized treatment plans using antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitic medications.

Managing Chronic or Severe Infections:

For serious infections—like bone and joint infections or tuberculosis—they provide ongoing care, monitor recovery, and adjust treatments when needed.

Caring for Children with Weakened Immune Systems:

They prevent, detect, and treat infections in children whose immune systems are affected by medical conditions or medications.

Providing Vaccine Guidance:

They help families understand routine and special‑case vaccines, especially for medically complex children or those preparing for travel.

Collaborating with Other Healthcare Providers:

They work with pediatricians, surgeons, respirologists, immunologists, and other specialists to ensure coordinated care.

In short, pediatric infectious disease specialists help children recover from infections safely and effectively, while supporting long‑term health and prevention.

Assessment and Treatment for:

• Congenital infections
• Complex infections
• Travel/Tropical medicine: pre-travel consults (non-OHIP), fever in returning travellers, malaria, typhoid
• Zoonotic/vector-borne infections: e.g., Lyme disease, babesiosis
• Antimicrobial stewardship: drug selection, duration, IV-to-PO step-down
• Vaccination counselling

How to book a specialist appointment:

Our specialists see patients by referral. Please ask your physician or primary care provider to send a referral to Kindercare.

• See how to refer to Kindercare here: kindercare.ca/referrals
• If you do not have a primary care provider, need help or have any questions, email admin@kindercare.ca or call 416-848-7665