Ear Infections - Prevention

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Antiviral Drugs. Antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza. One such drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), is approved for use in children age 1 year and older. Studies report significant reduction in symptoms and in the incidence of ear infections with this drug. Another antiviral drug, zanamivir (Relenza), is available for children older than age 7 years .

[For more information, see In-Depth Report #94: Colds and influenza.]

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against S. pneumoniae (also called pneumococcal) bacteria in children, the most common cause of middle ear infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. A new type of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Prevnar 13, protects against more strains of disease-causing bacteria than the older version. It is specifically approved to help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and otitis media. The recommended schedule of pneumococcal immunization is four doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 - 15 months of age.

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Dietary Factors and Supplements

Healthy Diet. Daily diets should include foods such as fresh, dark-colored fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and other important food chemicals that may help boost the immune system.

Probiotics ("Good" Bacteria). Researchers are studying the possible protective value of certain strains of lactobacilli, bacteria found in the intestines. Some of these strains, particularly acidophilus, are used to make yogurt. Studies have been mixed on probiotics’ benefits for preventing ear infections.

Avoiding Exposure to Cigarette Smoke

Parents or others should not smoke around children. Several studies have found that children who live with smokers have a significant risk for ear infections.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers protection against many early infections, including ear infections. Mother's milk provides immune factors that help protect the child from infections. Also, infants are held during breastfeeding in a position that allows the Eustachian tubes to function well.

If possible, new mothers should breastfeed their infants for at least 4 - 6 months. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusively breastfeeding for a baby’s first 6 months helps to prevent ear and other respiratory infections. For bottle-fed babies, to improve protection mothers should not lay babies down with their bottle; they should hold the infants in the same way they would to breastfeed them.

Review Date: 05/03/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).