New Delhi: Viruses, the culprits behind the innumerable common colds all of us have suffered from as children, are tiny microbes that spread easily in close contact settings. Younger children can catch multiple viral infections in a year due to their maturing immunity. Dr. Paras Kumar J, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, SPARSH Hospital for Women and Children, Infantry Road, Bangalore, spoke about some of the common symptoms of viral infections. These include:
- Body ache
- Cough
- Fever
- Blocked or runny nose
- Lethargy
- Red watery eyes
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Poor appetite
Some simple measures that can keep your child comfortable
- Frequent small sips of fluids ensure that your child remains hydrated. This is especially important in infants.
- Use saline drops to clear the blocked nose. A blocked nose may be one of the reasons your infant is not feeding.
- Your child may not eat well when ill. They will eat when they feel better.
- Fever and body aches can abate with the usage of paracetamol
Should you consult a doctor?
- There is no improvement in symptoms after 48 hours
- The symptoms worsen after 48 hours
- If your child is passing very little urine
You need to seek immediate attention if you notice:
- Pallor
- Sluggish response to stimuli
- Laboured breathing
Milder symptoms like high fever and poor feeding need immediate attention if your child is below 3 months of age.
The spread of viral infections is a natural consequence of close social interaction with other human beings. Developing good immunity is the only way to reduce the frequency and severity of these viral childhood illnesses. In addition to a balanced diet containing all the requisite amount of vitamins, adequate sleep, good self-hygiene, and administering the recommended paediatric immunisations are of paramount importance.
Doctors say that common symptoms of a viral infection, such as high fever and body ache should be addressed immediately. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
