There are many kinds of viruses. Colds, flu, measles, and
many other diseases are all viral infections. Some infections
can become serious. Others just make a child not feel
well.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms differ from virus to
virus. Often, however, the child may have a fever, headache,
sore muscles, vomiting, or a runny nose. Other signs may be
cough, sore throat, belly ache, or a tired
feeling.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Encourage as much rest as possible while the child
has a fever.
For children younger than 4 years who cannot blow their
noses:
Use a rubber suction bulb to suck drainage from
both sides of the nose. This is especially important for
infants (up to 6 months old) since they breathe mostly
through their nose.
To loosen dried nasal drainage: Put 2 to 3 drops of
warm water in each nostril using a moist cotton ball.
Wait about 1 minute and gently suction out each
nostril.
Use a cold mist humidifier to keep the air moist and
the nasal drainage loose.
Have the child drink extra fluids such as fruit
juices and water or eat chicken noodle soup. Do
Not give milk products since they may thicken
drainage in some children.
For coughing and sore throats:
Children older than 4 years of age may suck on
throat lozenges or hard candy.
Corn syrup may be soothing for younger children. Do
not give honey to infants.
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections. To ease
fever and discomfort, you may give the child over-the-counter
medicines as directed by your doctor:
For pain or fever: acetaminophen or
ibuprofen.
For runny nose or cough: a
decongestant/antihistamine
combination.
Call Your Doctor If...
The child develops a high
temperature.
Nasal drainage becomes thick and
yellow.
An infant will not breastfeed or take
fluids.
The child complains of a severe
headache.
The child coughs up yellow or green
mucus.
Seek Care Immediately If...
The child has trouble breathing even after the
nostrils are cleared.
The child becomes more sleepy or irritable than
usual.
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