Hi mummies and daddies! I know it's a common question: What are viruses? Well, here's everything you need to know
You’re being told over and over that your child’s illness is likely due to a virus.
We as pediatricians often reassure you that things should improve with time.
But what the heck are these pesky viruses anyways? Let’s discuss them further.
What are viruses? Everything you need to know
Generally, the symptoms of common respiratory viruses include cough, runny nose, decreased appetite, generalized weakness, and fever.
Children are usually contagious from one to two days BEFORE showing signs of illness, up to approximately one to two weeks after.
In mild cases, home care and over-the-counter meds may be sufficient.
However, in moderate to severe cases, hospitalization and even the use of assisted ventilation with a breathing machine may become necessary.
Remember, antibiotics don’t work on viruses.
Rhinoviruses
This virus is the main cause of the common cold.
Children generally become infected within one to three days after exposure.
Just like most respiratory viruses, spread is mainly through airborne viral droplets and contact with infected surfaces.
Influenza virus
Influenza Type A and Type B are the main culprits that infect humans. Influenza Type C is less common and usually very mild.
Type A is more dangerous and has greater ability to mutate than type B.
It is also highly contagious and associated with epidemics and global pandemics.
Adenoviruses
This virus can cause a myriad of symptoms affecting the lungs (cough and cold), the eyes (pink eye), the tummy (vomiting and diarrhea), and even the bladder and urinary systems.
It can also be spread in a variety of ways including airborne, surface transfer and hands contaminated after diaper changes.
In October 2022, the World Health Organization and Caribbean Public health Agency (CARPHA) reported that the strain H3N2 of the Influenza Type A virus is one of the main viruses circulating in our regional environment presently, along with rhinoviruses and adenoviruses.
The 2022 flu vaccine covers for Influenza Type A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 and Type B, so I urge you to take the entire family to get this shot.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This is another virus that causes cough and flu like symptoms.
It's also known for seasonal surges, especially in temperate countries.
RSV is also very contagious and the groups of children that are highly susceptible include premature babies and those young ones with compromised immune systems.
Common gut viruses
These viruses cause tummy troubles such as abdominal pain and cramping and vomiting and diarrhea, along with decreased appetite and fever.
Illness usually lasts for 3 to 7 days and can be managed conservatively by ensuring adequate hydration at home and fever management.
Rotavirus
This is the most common stomach bug that causes diarrhea.
It is transferred from child to child via the faeco-oral route from contaminated surfaces and hands.
It can also be airborne.
Rotavirus oral vaccines are available and recommended to be given in early life with completion of the course by eight months of age.
Intussusception
This virus is associated with a condition called intussusception where part of the small intestine intermittently involutes on itself causing pain and bleeding.
This condition is a surgical emergency.
The vaccine liquid reduces the likelihood of developing severe diarrhea and intussusception which generally affects those 2 years and below.
It should be noted however, that re-infection with this virus through to school age is possible because neither the vaccination nor exposure provide full protection, but symptoms should be milder.
Hand hygiene
The vaccine is not given if the child has already had intussusception.
Parents must also be aware that, according to the CDC, there is a 1:20000 to 1:100000 chance that this vaccine can cause an episode of intussusception.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t reiterate the importance of frequent hand washing and cleaning surfaces with disinfecting solutions.
These practices remain the best ways to prevent or curb viral spread.
Cough etiquette
Also, we must remind our little angels to cough and sneeze into their elbows and practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the washroom.
Hold strong, mummies and daddies. Our children’s natural immunity will improve with time.
Until then, let’s stay informed and educated as we continue to do all we can ‘cause we can’t help but love them.’