Viral illnesses are common in babies and young children. Only a small number of children will require admission to hospital. The child may take several days, or longer, to recover. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.
Symptoms may include:
- Cough and cold
- Fever (high temperature)
- Lethargy
- Headache, pain in arms and legs
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
Do’s
- Give regular Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen (as directed). This will reduce temperature and relieve discomfort.
- Give plenty of fluids, often small amounts frequently. Don’t worry if they do not want to eat. This is to be expected.
- Your child may want to sleep more than usual. This is normal but you should still be able to rouse them.
- Careful hand washing is advised to reduce the risk of the spread of infection.
- Keep your child away from nursery / school until they are well.
Seek further medical advice if any of the following occur:
- they seem to be getting worse rather than better
- they have chest pain or are coughing up bloodstained phlegm
- they’re finding it difficult to breathe
- they have, or seem to have, severe earache
- they have a persistent or severely sore throat
- they develop any other worrying symptoms, or you have any other concerns
- they have signs of dehydration e.g., dry nappies, not passing much urine, dry mouth, poor overall appearance, behavioural changes
- they have a fit or shaking episodes
- they develop a rash
- their symptoms last more than three weeks
- they develop any other worrying symptoms, or you have any other concerns
Points of Contact
- NHS 111
- Your own GP or Health Visitor
- A&E Department