The AAP has recently published a new clinical report, “Infectious Diseases Associated With Organized Sports and Outbreak Control.”
This report, which is a combined effort between the Committee on Infectious Diseases and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness, addresses the infectious complications and outbreaks associated with participation in organized sports. It discusses the most common pathogens involved, management of the conditions associated with these pathogens, and strategies on how to prevent and manage outbreaks. In addition, there is a useful summary of return-to-participation guidelines from three major associations involved in youth sports.
Highlights include:
- Understanding that, beyond the many benefits of organized sports, there is also the potential for spread of various types of infections.
- Review of the major pathogens involved with infectious outbreaks in organized sports and their mechanisms of spread, especially related to specific sport risk and due to contact transmission.
- Discussion of the epidemiology, risk factors, and management of the conditions associated with sports-related outbreaks.
- Valuable preventive measures to minimize spread, especially good personal hygiene practices, care of equipment, and importance of adherence with immunization guidelines.
- The important roles of 1) the pediatrician through anticipatory guidance of athletes during the physical examination prior to their sport season and 2) athletic trainers and coaches throughout the season to minimize the spread of infections.
- Guidelines for when athletes can return to practice or to active competition with each of the major infectious conditions.
The clinical report updates and expands the Infections Spread by Direct Contact chapter in the current edition of Red Book (p 156–157).
Please see the related AAP News article.