A virus is a germ that causes infections such as the common cold, bronchiolitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, influenza, mumps and chickenpox. There are hundreds of different viruses. Colds are very common in healthy children and on average, preschool children get at least six colds per year.
A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when your child is feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and help your child get better faster: Rest.
Symptoms:
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Lethargic.
- No appetite.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
Common examples of contagious viral diseases include the flu, the common cold, HIV, and herpes. Other types of viral diseases spread through other means, such as the bite of an infected insect.
A few notable examples that have garnered the attention of the public health community and the population at large include: COVID 19, Ebola, SARS, Influenza, Zika, Yellow fever, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV / AIDS), Human papillomavirus (HPV), Viral gastroenteritis, Varicella, and Viral hepatitis.
What causes a viral fever?
- Inhalation. If someone with a viral infection sneezes or coughs near you, you can breathe in droplets containing the virus. …
- Ingestion. Food and drinks can be contaminated with viruses. …
- Bites. Insects and other animals can carry viruses. …
- Bodily fluids.
How do babies catch viruses?
Infants and children are believed to catch the virus from close contact with a family member or caregiver who passes the virus but has no symptoms. Older siblings usually don’t catch roseola because they have had the illness at an earlier age.
Bacterial Infections
- Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.
- Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.
- Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.
Viral rashes look spotty. These “spots” are often red or pink on babies with lighter skin, and dark red, purple, or brown on babies with darker skin. They tend to spread across larger areas of the body, including the chest or back, and cover both the left and right sides of the body.
Most viral illnesses are contagious before a person has any symptoms. So an infected child can spread a virus before feeling sick. This makes it almost impossible to stop the spread of infections.
The body needs fluids to help fight infection, so it is important to keep your toddler hydrated. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the foods that make up the BRAT diet. These foods are easy to digest and have a better likelihood of staying down than many other foods when a child is sick.
How can I help my baby avoid infections?
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Washing your hands often is really important in the fight against infections. …
- Use disposable tissues. …
- Keep your baby’s environment clean. …
- Avoid people who are unwell. …
- Go smoke free. …
- Look, don’t touch.
Some of the most common viral infections include:
- Common cold.
- Influenza (flu)
- Herpes.
- Chickenpox.
- Mumps.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Measles.
- Rubella.
A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when you’re feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and get better faster: Rest.