Viral illnesses in children

Transcription

1 Viral illnesses in children Information for parents Children s Ward Phone: Accident and Emergency Phone: Macclesfield District General Hospital Leaflet Ref: Published: 1/2018 Review: 31/12/2020 Page 1

2 What is a viral illness? Viral infections are common among people of all ages but often seem to concentrate in infants and children. There are many types of viruses which can cause a variety of illnesses in your child, for example over 200 different viruses can cause a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Doctors may often diagnose your child with a non-specific viral infection. This means that although the features of the illness indicate that this is a viral infection, it is not possible to say exactly what virus is causing it. Most childhood viral illnesses however are not serious, and children usually get better with simple medication obtained from your pharmacy. What are the common symptoms of a viral illness? Symptoms of a viral illness vary considerably in children, and may include: Temperature this may rise as high as 40.C Nasal congestion and/or a runny nose. Scratchy sore throat. Cough this may last up to 3 weeks Rash this could be a familiar rash such as chicken pox or measles or appear as blotchy red spots commonly affecting most of the body Vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Decreased appetite General aches and pains Irritable, fretful and uncomfortable. Leaflet Ref: Published: 1/2018 Review: 31/12/2020 Page 2

3 How can I help my child recover from the viral illness? Give your child frequent cool drinks (little and often) to prevent dehydration and soothe a sore throat. Don t be alarmed if your child s appetite is reduced as they may not feel like eating whilst they are unwell, but they must continue to drink plenty. If your child has a temperature, remove any heavy clothing especially around their chest and stomach. If your child is not happy to be exposed, a thin cotton vest or sheet is preferable to blankets. Keep the room cool around your child. Use a fan or open a window, ensuring your child is not directly in front of them so that your child cools slowly. What medication treats a viral illness? Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections, they only treat bacterial infections. Paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol etc) or Ibuprofen (Nurofen for children, Calprufen etc), will reduce your child s temperature and help with general aches and pains Always read the instructions carefully and give the amount as directed. Remember to leave at least 4 hours between doses of Paracetamol and only give 4 doses in a 24 hour period and at least 8 hours between doses of Ibuprofen. DO NOT exceed the advised doses of each medicine. DO NOT give Paracetamol and Ibuprofen at the same time. However it is often useful to alternate them. Leaflet Ref: Published: 1/2018 Review: 31/12/2020 Page 3

4 How can I prevent viral infections spreading? The best preventive measure is practicing good hygiene: Your child and the people in the household should wash their hands frequently. In general, the more intimate physical contact such as hugging, snuggling, or bed sharing that takes place with an ill child, the greater the risk of spreading the infection to other family members. Parents must balance this risk with the need to comfort an ill child. Children should stay home from school or child care until the fever is gone and they feel well enough to attend. When to seek medical advice? Most of the symptoms of a viral illness get better within 2 5 days, with the exception of a cough that may last several weeks. You must seek medical advice if:- Your child has a fit Your child develops a non-blanching rash (a rash that does not go away when a glass is pressed on it) You feel your child s health is getting worse You are more worried about your child then when you last received advice Your child s temperature is persisting longer than 5 days If you are concerned about your child seek medical advice. Leaflet Ref: Published: 1/2018 Review: 31/12/2020 Page 4

5 Comments, compliments or complaints We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: Phone: Textphone: Customer Care, Reception, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL For large print, audio, Braille version or translation, contact Communications and Engagement on East Cheshire NHS Trust operates a smoke-free policy (including e-cigarettes) For advice on stopping smoking please contact the KICKSTART Stop Smoking service on East Cheshire NHS Trust does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or abuse and is committed to ensuring that patients, staff and the public are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. If you have any comments about how we can improve our services please inform a member of staff in the department or complete a comment card available throughout the hospital. Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Rd, Macclesfield SK10 3BL Leaflet Ref: Published: 1/2018 Review: 31/12/2020 Page 5