Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Viral infections

Young children are highly sensitive to viruses because their immune system is still developing. A virus can enter the body in many ways besides food, fluids, and bites from insects or animals.

The infectious secretions from viruses are passed on to others by coming in contact with them. They can be inhaled from airborne particles from coughs and sneezes. Touching or holding hands with an infected person and then rubbing the eyes or nose is a common way to "catch" a virus. Viral particles may be on surfaces of toys, doorknobs, tables, or telephones.

There are approximately 200 known viruses that cause disease in humans. Over 100 of these cause "colds." Viruses attack different parts of the body to produce different problems. Some cause a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, or muscle ache. Others cause abdominal symptoms such as nausea, cramping, and diarrhea.

Other examples of viral infections in children include specific viral syndromes such as:

• chicken pox
• measles
• mumps
• pneumonia
• polio
• diphtheria
• fifth disease
• roseola
• warts and
• flu

Many viruses are hard to destroy without damaging or killing the living cells they infect, this is why drugs are not used to control them. Many viral diseases can be prevented by immunization. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses but may be used for secondary bacterial skin or respiratory infections. Colds, flu, and sore throats often recur in children.

Here are some home care tips:

• bed rest
• plenty of fluids
• give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and discomfort
• feed lightly; select what is appealing to your child and
• keep your child home until there's been no fever for over 24 hours

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Make sure to keep all appointments for your child's vaccinations. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise and rest will help your child to fight off viral infections.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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