Infant Infections
Your immune system is on constant alert to protect you from things like harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Although your antibodies are powerful against pathogens that they have already fought, babies do not have these experienced germ-fighters. Thus, infant infections can be very dangerous for a newborn baby.
After a baby’s birth, doctors and nurses should do all that they can to protect the precious child from harmful germs. However, if an infant is exposed to hazardous pathogens, it can result in devastating developmental problems. If doctor negligence has resulted in an infection for your newborn baby, you should contact a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your legal options.
The Dangers of Newborn Infections
There are many different diseases that can attack a newborn’s weak immune system. Some of these conditions include:
- Group B strep
- Listeriosis
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
Potential Sources of Infection
Although a hospital should provide one of the most sterile environments possible, these facilities can actually harbor dangerous germs. Your baby can pick up infections from sources such as:
- Contaminated needles
- Unclean hospital equipment
- Non-sterile gloves worn by hospital workers
Additionally, babies can actually catch diseases from their mothers. If a doctor believes that you may be a carrier for a harmful disease, he or she should take the steps necessary to protect your child. This may include treating you with antibiotics or doing a caesarean section rather than vaginal birth.
Contact Us
Many birth infections can be prevented if doctors and nurses remain vigilant against germs. However, if they fail in this duty to you, it can result in harmful diseases for your precious newborn. If your baby is a victim of a birth infection, you should fight back. Contact an experienced Philadelphia birth injuries lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130 today.