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Viruses: What to look for

There are over five hundred different viruses, more than two hundred of which can cause symptoms of the common cold. When we examine these viruses using an electron microscope, we find they appear different in size and shape.

Influenza Virus - the largest of the viruses are most resistant to our antibodies; these viruses generally occur in the winter months, the most notable being influenza. Consequently we are more affected when we become infected in the winter. Additionally, the dryness of the air renders our nasal passages less well protected against invaders. Also, in our Northern climes, the necessarily close quarters generally encountered in the winter make the transmission of infection that much easier. Finally, the younger we are, the fewer antibodies we have developed against any of these viruses, so that younger children will probably succumb to six to eight viruses over each of their first two to three years. Most of these viruses will occur in the winter. Studies comparing children who are in daycare versus those who are not have predicted a 6-35 fold greater frequency of infections over the course of a year for those in daycare.

The typical symptoms and signs that you might expect are:

  • Congestion, runny nose, or a combination of both
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Muscle and/or joint aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck region
  • Fever
  • Chills

What to do:

Call your practices Emergency Line or 911 if your child is having breathing difficulty and/or is turning blue.

Call us urgently if your child is under 8 weeks old and has a fever of 100.4 or higher, has a fever that leads to a convulsion, or is in your opinion acting quite ill. We will see your child the same day; the earlier you call, the easier it is to set up the appointment. Waiting to see if she gets better until 5 p.m. helps no one.

Call us for a same day appointment if your child's symptoms have worsened over the preceding three to five days, if he/she develops an earache or sore throat, or has enough vomiting and diarrhea that he/she is becoming dehydrated (decreased saliva, tears, urination, lethargy).

Viruses can live in the environment from three to ten hours, promoting easy spread through casual contact, sneezing or coughing. Some viruses can live in a dried state for several weeks. You or your child can catch a cold virus from infected hands or objects such as toys, glasses, telephones, shopping cart handles, doorknobs etc. There are many times during a year when we are exposed but do not immediately get sick. Typically during those periods our immunologic energies are robust. All of the grandmotherly advice concerning adequate rest, diet, and protection from the elements, modifying stress probably improves our ability to keep our immunologic system healthy and consequently stay healthier.

One to three days after exposure, assuming our energies are low, we start to feel ill with the symptoms listed above. We are contagious from the day before through until three weeks after symptoms begin. The symptoms themselves may last from three days if mild (usually in the summer) to two weeks if severe. The congestion associated with the virus may lead to complications of bacterial super-infection, such as otitis (ear infection), pharyngitis (strep throat), sinusitis (infected sinuses) or pneumonia. These complications need to be treated so that if after the first three to four days of the viral infection, your child complains of these symptoms, please call the office for an appointment. It is often difficult, especially in younger children to appreciate just how ill or what specific symptom they have; if you are in doubt please telephone our office and discuss your problem.

Even though we have no pharmacologic cure for viral infections there are remedies that are helpful to reduce symptoms.

  • Encourage rest.
  • Provide plenty of liquids especially those that contain water, sugar and salt -----Pedialyte for younger children, Gatorade, soup, juices, Popsicles etc for older patients.
  • Help keep the nasal passages clear: salt-water nosedrops and nasal suction for infants, blowing one's nose one nostril at a time for others.
  • Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier.
  • Acetominophen or ibuprofen drops, liquid or tablets to control fever and discomfort. Do not use aspirin or rubbing alcohol.

Please remember that if you are worried about your child, please telephone.