It’s common for children to catch viral illnesses, and most of the time they’ll recover without any complications. But there are some signs to watch out for that indicate a more serious illness that requires medical attention.

What are viral illnesses in children?

Viral illnesses are caused by viruses, which are tiny infectious agents that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Children can catch viruses from other people who are infected, through contact with contaminated surfaces, or from bites from infected insects.

There are many different viruses that can cause illness in children, including:.

Influenza (the flu)
Rhinovirus (the common cold)
Rotavirus (stomach flu)
Measles
Mumps
Chickenpox
Herpesvirus (cold sores)

How do you know if your child’s viral illness is serious?

Most viral illnesses in children will cause mild to moderate symptoms that will resolve on their own within a few days to a week. However, there are some signs to watch out for that indicate a more serious illness that requires medical attention.

These signs include:.

High fever that lasts for more than three days
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Chest pain or severe cough
Severe headache or neck pain
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours
Weakness or lethargy that lasts for more than 24 hours
Unresponsiveness or irritability
Rash or hives
Seizures
Dehydration

If your child has any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

How are viral illnesses treated in children?

Most viral illnesses in children don’t require any specific treatment, other than rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and pain.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, since they only target bacteria.

In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat specific viral infections like influenza or herpesvirus. These medications are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

If your child has a severe viral illness, they may need to be hospitalized for supportive care like oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, or mechanical ventilation.

How can you prevent viral illnesses in children?

There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of viral illnesses in children:.

Encourage hand-washing to prevent the spread of germs
Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Keep your child’s vaccinations up-to-date
Keep your child home from school or daycare when they’re sick

While it’s not always possible to prevent viral illnesses, taking these steps can help reduce the risk of infection.

The bottom line

Most viral illnesses in children are not serious and will resolve on their own within a few days to a week. However, it’s important to watch out for signs of a more serious illness that requires medical attention.

If your child has any of these signs, seek medical attention right away.