Viruses And Fever

The Most Common Viruses And Fever Illnesses That Your Child Will Have

We understand that having a child who is sick can be a very stressful and worrisome time for any parent. We also understand that it can also be confusing, especially when it comes to determining whether you should take your child to see their doctor or not. In this article, we will offer some helpful information about the most common viruses and fever illnesses that most children have while growing up, as well as whether you should bring them in to get checked out or treat them at home.

Want to know more about how viruses and fever can affect the long and short term health of your child? All of us here at Pediatric Partners have a lot of experience being able to diagnose trouble fast. Call us today for a complete examination so we can get your child feeling better and happier as soon as possible.

The Common Cold

This is probably the most often reported cause of any child being sick and one of the most prevalent illnesses that can be linked to viruses and fever in children of any age, not just school age kids. Even babies can catch a cold, and it is often brought home by the older sibling who caught it at school, from a babysitter or on a play date. There are so many viruses today that can cause your child to suffer from a cold, the most common one being the rhinovirus. It is transmitted through touch and through the air, like when your child has contact with someone who just sneezed, and the child touches their eyes, mouth or nose.

The most common symptoms of a cold are congestion, coughing, a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and a scratchy throat. If your child develops a fever, it is nothing out of the normal, because children are more susceptible to running a fever with a virus than adults are. That said, however, it is still a good idea to keep an eye on your child’s temperature during this time, and if it should climb to above 102 or lasts for more than three days, it is time for a visit to your doctor. The last thing to remember about treating your child for the common cold is to be careful with any medication and always check with your doctor before giving them anything. Rest and plenty of fluids are your best bet.

The Flu

The flu has become as commonplace in these times as the common cold but it can be far more tricky to treat and can become dangerous for children. A lot of this is caused by the virus itself being so adaptive, and what might have worked last year, might not work this year. Listen to your pediatrician and do not be afraid to ask questions about any flu shots that are available. Your doctor always knows best in this kind of situation.

One of the best determinant as to whether your child has the flu or a cold or other infections is to look for signs of a fever. If your child has the flu, there will be some sign of fever present, because low grade temperature fluxes is always present. Again, a temperature of a 102 or greater requires you to bring the child to their pediatrician, but there are other symptoms to watch out for with the flu. Feeling overly tired, achy and chills are sure signs that your child is trying to fight off the virus fever symptoms of the flu.

Stomach Flu

The virus in this case attacks your child’s intestinal tract directly and can cause painful swelling of those sensitive organs and tissues. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are the first signs that your child might be experiencing a stomach virus with fever. If your child is listless, and complaining that their tummy hurts, please bring them in as soon as you can. The biggest threat with stomach flu is dehydration and while rest and fluids will help, every case is different, and your pediatrician can best advise you how to go from there.

Ear Infections

Of all the viruses and fever illnesses your child can experience, going through an ear infection can be the most heartbreaking. If your child develops a fever and ear pain, take them to their doctor as soon as possible. Antibiotics can be an effective treatment for some, but a thorough examination should be done before starting any treatment path, just in case it is far more than a simple infection.