Children are likely to get viral infections

There are hundreds of different viruses. A virus is a germ that causes infections, such as the common cold, tonsillitis, ear infections, flu, mumps and chickenpox.

Children can have many viral infections per year in the first few years of their lives. They often get sick from one virus shortly after getting better from a different one, so it can feel as if they are sick all the time. As children get older, they usually get sick less often.

Viruses can easily spread when children have close contact with each other.

What can I do to prevent my child from getting infected?

It is just about impossible to prevent your child from catching viruses, but you can help keep your child’s immune system strong by giving them a balanced diet and making sure they get lots of sleep. It is also important to be up to date with your child’s immunisations to prevent dangerous illnesses such as measles, mumps, polio and chickenpox.

How viruses spread

A virus can spread from person to person in tiny droplets from the nose (like when someone is sneezing) and mouth (if someone is spitting or coughing). Viruses can also spread through other bodily fluids.

Good hygiene reduces the chance of getting viruses or passing them onto others. Good hygiene includes:

• Regularly and thoroughly washing hands
• Not sharing cups or cutlery
• Coughing or sneezing into the crook of the elbow
• Using tissues instead of hankies – teach your child to throw tissues into the rubbish bin as soon as they have used them and to wash their hands afterwards.

If your child is unwell with a virus, keep them home from child care, crèche or school until they are well again so that they do not infect other children.

Some of the symptoms of a viral infection

If your child has a virus, they may show a variety of symptoms, including:

• A blocked or runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A sore throat
• A fever
• Rashes
• Coughing or sneezing
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Sleeping more than normal (lethargy)
• Not wanting to eat
• Feeling generally unwell

How should I care for my child?

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, not virus infections. The best treatment for a mild viral infection is to rest. This will allow your child’s immune system to fight the virus.

Home treatment to make your child more comfortable:

• Frequently give your child small amounts to drink while they are awake. This will soothe a sore throat by keeping it moist. It also replaces the fluid lost due to having a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. Water is the best.
• Giving enough fluid is particularly important for babies. You should give babies breast milk or formula or rehydration fluids.
• Do not worry if your child does not eat for a few days. When they feel better they will start eating again.
• Make sure your child rests a lot. Rest helps the immune system.
• They must not do any exercise or try to run around. Doing exercise while having a virus infection can cause serious illness.
• Give your child something for pain, or if your child is miserable or irritable. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before giving your child any medicine. Carefully check the label for the correct dose and make sure you are not already giving your child any other products containing paracetamol or ibuprofen (such as some cough medicines and cold-and-flu preparations).

Your child is likely to feel better in a few days, but may feel ill for up to two weeks. They can struggle with a cough for several weeks.

When must I take my child to the doctor?

If your child is not improving after 48 hours, or is getting worse, take them to your GP. Also see your GP if your child:

• Has pain that does not get better with medicine – recommended by a doctor, nurse of pharmacist
• Has on-going vomiting and diarrhoea
• Has a high fever that is not improving after 48 hours
• Refuses to drink for six hours
• Has a rash that does not turn to skin-colour when you press on it
• Is still a baby and they have fewer than four wet nappies a day
• Is giving you concern for any other reason

Seek immediate care from your doctor or a hospital emergency department if your child:

• Is younger than six months and is not feeding or has a fever
• Is very pale or hard to wake
• Has trouble breathing
• Has a rash and gets a headache, stiff neck or back pain
• Is unwell with a fever and a skin rash that does not turn to skin-colour when you press on it.