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Things Parents Should Know about Viral Fever

Viral fever is a broad spectrum of viral infections that can be transmitted from one person to another through the air and physical contact. Babies and toddlers are more prone to viral fever as their immune system is not very strong. During viral infection, the virus enters our body system, which activates the immune system, this leads to an elevation in body temperature so as to get rid of the foreign particles that have entered the body.

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Fever is not always a bad guy as flu shots help in making the immune system more efficient to fight off the infection. However, sometimes a mild fever can be transformed into serious conditions if not treated properly. Read this article to know about the things that every parent should be aware of viral fever.

Symptoms of Viral Fever

Fever is the initial sign of viral infection. A temperature of 100 to 103 degree is quite common during this condition. The child is may suffer from body pain, particularly in the back and legs. They may also suffer from one or more symptoms that are mentioned below.

  • Cough & Cold
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny or Congested Nose
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhoea
  • Tummy Pain

Viral Fever Symptoms That Call For Emergencies

You must seek medical help if your baby - who is below three months - suffers from fever above 100.4°F. It is futile to try home remedies because the underdeveloped immune system of your child might not be able to cope up with the viral attack. The bodies of toddlers might not even show all the symptoms of viral infection. Moreover, often parents are not able to differentiate between viral and bacterial infection, which is more dangerous than viral infection. So, it is better to consult a physician for viral fever rather than self-medicating. Below are certain signs that denote medical emergencies in babies during viral illness:

  • Fatigue
  • Convulsions
  • Vomiting & Loss of appetite
  • Persistent coughing for over three weeks
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Swollen face & feet
  • Persistence of diarrhoea for over two weeks

How Long Does Viral Fever Last?

Usually, viral infection in kids last through 3 to 4 days, but some fevers from mononucleosis or influenza may take about ten days to get cured completely. Parents should always make a note of the number of days a fever lasts in your child as it may assist your doctor to provide a treatment plan to your child in future. Most of the parents observed that the temperature tends to rise at the end of the day during the viral fever. So, give the medicines to your baby regularly as per the recommended doses. Do not reduce or increase medicine dosage on your own. However, if you notice anything unusual, then take your child immediately to the doctor.

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Viral Infection Treatment for Children

There are a few home remedies that parents can try for viral infection treatment for children aged over two years.

Use Wet Sponge

Parents can use the traditional method to lower the body temperature using a wet sponge. Simply dip a muslin cloth or clean sponge in lukewarm water and put it on baby's underarms and forehead. Repeat the process couple of times during the day and you will experience the change in temperature.

Feed Warm Fluids

Feed the child with warm liquids such as soup or water to soothe a sore throat and cough. Give ORS to combat dehydration. If you feel the nose of the baby is clogged, you can use a vaporizer for relief and ease breathing.

Final Words

As discussed in the article, these are some facts that every parent should know viral infection. To protect your babies and children from viral infection, you must maintain a clean, hygienic and healthy environment at home. Moreover, emphasize must be on a healthy and balanced diet, and should provide the child appropriate vaccination to safeguard them from them viral and infections.

by http://www.mycity4kids.com/

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