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Viral Fever In Children: Signs, Symptoms, And Precautionary Measures

VERIFIED By Dr Nishant Bansal, Consultant -Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida Ensure your child gets enough sleep as the body repairs and strengthens its defences during rest. While viral infections are common during seasonal changes, there are several steps parents can take to protect their children and minimize the risk of infection.

Written by Tavishi DograUpdated : September 18, 2024 2:36 PM IST

Symptoms of viral fever in children: As the seasons change, it's common to see a rise in viral infections among children. This period often brings a host of symptoms, including fever, cold, cough, loose motions, and vomiting. These symptoms can be distressing for children and their parents, but understanding the signs and taking preventive measures can help mitigate the impact.

Signs And Symptoms Of Viral Infections

Symptoms often start with a mild fever that gradually escalates:

Loose Motion: Viral infections can affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhoea. This can result in frequent, watery stools and, if not managed properly, may cause dehydration.

Cough: A persistent cough, either dry or productive, often follows the onset of a cold. This can be particularly uncomfortable for children, disrupting their sleep and daily activities.

Vomiting:Along with diarrhoea, children may experience nausea and vomiting. This further contributes to dehydration and requires prompt attention.

Fever: This is usually the first sign of a viral infection. The fever can range from low-grade to high and may be accompanied by chills or sweating.

Cold: Children may also experience headaches and a general feeling of fatigue.

Precautionary Measures

While viral infections are common during seasonal changes, there are several steps parents can take to protect their children and minimize the risk of infection.

Boosting Immunity Through Diet

Hydration: Ensure your child stays well-hydrated, especially if experiencing symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Water, clear soups, and oral rehydration solutions can help maintain fluid balance.

Protein: Protein is essential for immune function. Include lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts in your child's diet to support their immune system.

Probiotics: Incorporate probiotics, such as yoghurt, into your child's diet.

Vaccination

Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from viral infections, especially the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended annually, as it helps build immunity against the most common strains of the virus.

Rotavirus Vaccine: The rotavirus vaccine is crucial for infants and young children and can reduce the risk of this infection.

Hygiene Practices

Avoid Close Contact: Keep children away from sick individuals and encourage them to avoid touching their faces, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth.

Adequate Rest

Rest is vital for recovery. Ensure your child gets enough sleep as the body repairs and strengthens its defences during rest.

Home Environment

Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect.

Ventilation: Keep your home well-ventilated.

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Viral Fever, Dengue Cases Up Due To Change In Weather

A sharp increase in viral fever cases has been reported in the district due to the sudden change in the weather. The Civil Hospital's Outpatient Department (OPD) is now handling over 120 patients daily, with around 30 to 40 of them suffering from viral fever and about 10 to 12 cases of bacterial infection.

Health officials say that this marks a considerable spike from August, when only 10 to 12 cases of fever were recorded daily. They said the fluctuating weather, marked by unpredictable temperature changes and high humidity, is contributing to the spread of viral infections.

"The constant shift in climate weakens the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infections. Crowded areas and inadequate hygiene practices are also speeding up the transmission of the virus, putting more pressure on local hospitals", they added.

Health experts said the viral fever symptoms such as high temperature, body aches, sore throat and extreme fatigue are keeping many patients bedridden and they are urging residents to take precautions.

Senior Medical Officer at the Civil Hospital emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene and avoiding public gatherings to curb the spread of the virus. He also advised people to strengthen their immune systems by eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting sufficient rest. Besides, if the symptoms last more than 10 days, necessary tests must be done to diagnose the cause, he said.

In addition to viral fever, the risk of dengue is also escalating in the district. Health experts warn that the same weather conditions fostering viral infections are also ideal for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. So far, 53 dengue cases have been reported in the district. The Health Department has been conducting door-to-door inspections to identify and destroy mosquito breeding grounds, with dengue larvae being found in over 900 homes.

Health officials said with the rise in dengue cases, the department has also intensified testing for fever patients and is urging people to use mosquito repellents and keep their surroundings clean to prevent further outbreaks.

"The residents are advised to seek timely medical attention for any persistent symptoms as both viral fever and dengue pose serious health risks during this season", they said.

Hospitals In Valley Report Spike In Viral Fever, Flu Cases

Along with dengue infection, major hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley are seeing a significant surge in cases of viral fever, flu, typhoid, and seasonal influenza in recent days.

Doctors attending to the patients said that the number of fever cases has risen compared to previous months, with some patients even developing pneumonia and requiring inpatient care due to worsening health.

"Around 50 percent of the patients who come to the outpatient department at our hospital are fever cases," said Dr Rita Hamal, a consultant paediatrician at the Chabahil-based Om Hospital and Research Centre. "Some children have also been diagnosed with pneumonia and have been admitted at the hospital for inpatient care."

Experts say the rise in fever and cold before weather transitions is concerning and that the spread of the virus could be behind the surge in infection rates.

They say the influenza virus causes respiratory complications, which affect the lungs. The virus spreads quickly in communities. These diseases can cause fever, cough, body aches, occasional vomiting, diarrhoea, and pneumonia.

Doctors say that while the number of new cases of fever and flu has risen significantly, the exact cause of the surge still remains unclear. Many patients do not opt for various diagnostic tests, and health workers also provide symptomatic care first.

"There is no specific care for viral infections, including dengue," said Hamal. "We provide symptomatic care only. So we do not know the actual cause of the ailments."

Doctors recommend multiple tests only for patients with serious health conditions. They say that early diagnosis is crucial for preventing infection, and patients recover quickly if treated in time. However, according to experts, the severity of the disease and the number of deaths increase if seasonal influenza cases are not diagnosed promptly.

"We don't know the actual cause of the surge in fever, flu, and other ailments," said Dr Sumit Agrawal, spokesperson at the Kanti Children Hospital. "Almost all hospital beds have been occupied by ailing patients, and the number of fever cases has risen significantly recently."

The hospital, which also serves as the national referral centre for ailing children, said that over 1,200 children seek care daily, and 30 to 40 percent of them are fever and flu cases.

Doctors at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital and Patan Hospital also said that the number of fever and flu cases has risen significantly of late.

"Along with dengue cases, the number of people suffering from viral fever, flu, typhoid and other infections has increased at our hospital as well," said Dr Yuba Nidhi Basaula, director at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu. "Most of the beds in our hospital have been occupied. The number of dengue infection cases has also surged lately."

Doctors at Patan Hospital said that in addition to fever cases, patients with diarrhoeal infections and other water-borne diseases are also seeking care. They expect more cases in the coming days, as fever and flu cases usually spike during weather transitions.

Even though fever and flu cases are rising significantly, authorities remain unaware of the exact cause of the surge in infection rates.

"When the cause of ailments is not ascertained, it becomes difficult to provide effective care," said Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Hospital. "The number of people infected with influenza could be several times higher than those seeking care at hospitals, as many people suffering from influenza-like illness do not seek treatment unless they become serious."

A recent report by the Nepal Statistics Office also shows that cold and fever remain a significant concern, with an increase from 43.7 percent in 1995/96 to 51. 5 percent in 2022/23.

Doctors say more people get infected with viruses during seasonal changes, as most viruses—adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza virus, and even coronavirus—become active during these times, particularly in winter.

However, they say this does not mean respiratory viruses do not spread at other times. People are continuously infected with respiratory viruses in other seasons as well, and those with weak immunity could become more severely affected by infections.

Doctors urge everyone to take precautions against these risks and ask authorities to step up surveillance to determine the real causes of influenza-like illnesses.

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