Viral Infections

Viral infections may be contracted by children of all ages; no age group is significantly more susceptible than another. Because there is no cure for viral infections, letting the virus run its course is sometimes the wisest course of action. If (or, more realistically, when) your child contracts the common cold virus, for example, all you can do is treat the symptoms. No one wants their child to be sick, but keep in mind that exposure to different illnesses and infections will over time help to strengthen the child’s immune system.

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What causes a viral infection?

What are some common types of viral infections?

What are some symptoms?

How can I treat my child’s viral infection?

COMMON TYPES OF VIRAL INFECTIONS

TREATMENT

Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. The best remedy is for your child is to get an adequate amount of rest so her or her immune system will be able to fight the virus
Aspirin should not be given to children with fever symptoms or body aches as this could increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome in those who have certain viral infections
Keep your child hydrated
Use saline nasal drops to clear a stuffy nose in babies
Humidifier in the room at night while the child is sleeping also helps

SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

Have your child immunized
Encourage him or her to get plenty of sleep
Keep them home when they are ill/feverish. Encourage good hand washing/hygiene regimen

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Contact your doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:

If you think your child may have a bacterial or viral infection, contact us to schedule an appointment.

If they are having worsening symptoms or having any difficulty breathing, lethargy, high fever that is not responding to fever reducers, stiff neck or signs/symptoms of dehydration, then you should seek emergency care.