The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
A common illness in young children, particularly those with little resistance, is viral fever. Memorizing the symptoms of viral fever in children is the first step towards assisting parents in understanding this illness and developing a practical course of action.
1. Causes of viral fever in children
Viral fever, also known as viral fever, is caused by infection with different viruses (viruses). There are many typical viral fever agents, including Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Influenza virus, and Enterovirus.
The disease is most common during seasonal changes when the weather changes suddenly from hot to cold or from cold to hot and humid. The disease usually lasts 7-10 days; if treated actively, it will quickly improve. However, parents should not be subjective because the disease progresses very quickly; if not treated, it can cause dangerous complications.
2. Warning Signs of Viral Fever in a Child
Symptoms of viral fever are primarily common in other diseases. Therefore, a parent must know how to treat viral fever effectively.
Certain signs can be observed during the incubation period in a child with viral fever, including feeling weak, having aches, and sometimes getting a fever, sore throat, or stuffy and runny nose. Additionally, this fever can be quite severe and continues for a while, while pharyngitis, joint pain, muscle pain, and skin rashes may also be experienced.
Viral fever can appear as ordinary at first due to nonspecific signs. However, children affected by a viral fever can experience moderate to high fever from 38 - 39 degrees Celsius; in many cases, it can go up to 40 degrees Celsius, which could lead to sneezing and a dry yet red throat, leading to muscle fatigue, headaches, and a lack of energy.
If treatment is not started in time, this might lead to increased body temperature during episodes and body jerks, significantly impacting a child's life.
Warning alert: You should take your infant to the doctor right away for an evaluation and prompt treatment if you see any of these symptoms:
- High fever lasting more than 2 days with cold hands and feet, unusual shivering.
- Rash all over the body.
- Abdominal pain, vomiting.
- Bloody stools, black stools.
- Often startled and panicked.
3. How to take care of children with viral fever at home
Currently, there is no specific treatment for viral fever, but there are only supportive measures, such as correcting the clinical picture, boosting immunity, controlling the symptoms, and avoiding complications.
In all instances, it is essential first to measure the child's temperature first. In the case of children with a high fever over 38 Celsius, they should be consulted on anti-fever drugs (Paracetamol 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours).
Let the child lie down in a quiet, cool room.
Warm water cloths are used to sponge the patient's body, concentrating on the dampening of groins and armpits. The child should wear loose-fitting and light clothes.
Give plenty of fluids to the child to bring down the temperature and aid in eliminating toxins in the body.
They should eat easily digestible soft food such as porridge and soups. During the day, give small frequent meals and do not allow the child to binge-eat a single meal.
Children should be given juices rich in Vitamin C, which is helpful in boosting immunity.
The child should be monitored constantly. Take your kid immediately to a hospital or see a doctor if unusual symptoms present.
Keep your child from having a too high temperature since this could cause seizures or other unanticipated problems.
4. Measures to Prevent Viral Fever in Children
- Parents should provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet to enhance children's immunity.
- Keep the home and surrounding environment clean and well-ventilated to prevent the entry of harmful agents.
- Teach children good personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, and discourage them from putting toys in their mouths.
- Ensure children are fully vaccinated as recommended.
- Minimize their contact with infected individuals or crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
We hope the above information helps parents better understand viral fever in children, enabling them to take proactive measures for early treatment and effective prevention of potential complications. Suppose a child exhibits symptoms such as fatigue, aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, red eyes, or cough. Parents are advised to take them to a reputable medical facility for timely consultation and care.
Pediatrics Services at Vinmec Health System. Pediatrics is one of the key specialties of the Vinmec Health System, consistently delivering customer satisfaction and earning high recognition from industry experts due to the following strengths:
- Expert Team of Leading Pediatricians: Vinmec brings together highly qualified professionals, including professors, associate professors, doctors, and masters, with extensive experience from renowned hospitals such as Bach Mai and 108. The department also collaborates with international specialists from countries like Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the USA, who are pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment protocols.
- Comprehensive Services: Vinmec offers continuous medical examination and treatment services for children, from newborn care and pediatrics to vaccinations, all adhering to international standards. Our hospital allows parents to confidently care for their child’s health from birth through adolescence.
- Advanced Medical Techniques: The hospital has successfully implemented specialized procedures, such as neurosurgery, craniofacial surgery, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for cancer treatment, effectively addressing complex pediatric conditions.
- Professional Care: Vinmec greatly emphasizes understanding children's psychology and has created dedicated play areas to help children feel at ease in the hospital environment. This approach encourages cooperation during treatment and improves the overall effectiveness of medical care.
With its commitment to providing healthcare services of international standards, Vinmec's Pediatrics Department is a trusted destination for families seeking the best medical care for their children.
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