WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is viral syndrome? Viral syndrome is a general term used for a viral infection that has no clear cause. Your child may have a fever, muscle aches, or vomiting. Other symptoms include a cough, chest congestion, or nasal congestion (stuffy nose). How is viral syndrome diagnosed and treated? Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and examine him. An illness caused by a virus usually goes away in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following to manage your child's symptoms: - Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask your child's healthcare provider how much medicine to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
- A cool-mist humidifier may help your child breathe easier if he has nasal or chest congestion.
- Saline nose drops may help your baby if he has nasal congestion. Place a few saline drops into each nostril and then use a suction bulb to suction the mucus.
How can I care for my child? - Give your child plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Examples include water, ice pops, flavored gelatin, and broth. Ask how much liquid your child should drink each day and which liquids are best for him. You may need to give your child an oral electrolyte solution if he is vomiting or has diarrhea. Do not give your child liquids with caffeine. Liquids with caffeine can make dehydration worse.
- Have your child rest. Rest may help your child feel better faster. Have your child take several naps throughout the day.
- Have your child wash his hands frequently. Wash your baby's or young child's hands for him. This will help prevent the spread of germs to others. Use soap and water. Use gel hand cleaner when soap and water are not available.
- Check your child's temperature as directed. This will help you monitor your child's condition. Ask your child's healthcare provider how often to check his temperature.
Call 911 for the following: - Your child has a seizure.
- Your child has trouble breathing or he is breathing very fast.
- Your child's lips, tongue, or nails, are blue.
- Your child is leaning forward and drooling.
- Your child cannot be woken.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child complains of a stiff neck and a bad headache.
- Your child has a dry mouth, cracked lips, cries without tears, or is dizzy.
- Your child's soft spot on his head is sunken in or bulging out.
- Your child coughs up blood or thick yellow, or green, mucus.
- Your child is very weak or confused.
- Your child stops urinating or urinates a lot less than normal.
- Your child has severe abdominal pain or his abdomen is larger than normal.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a fever for more than 3 days.
- Your child's symptoms do not get better with treatment.
- Your child's appetite is poor or he has poor feeding.
- Your child has a rash, ear pain. or a sore throat.
- Your child has pain when he urinates.
- Your child is irritable and fussy, and you cannot calm him down.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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