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Studies show that a child can be a victim of about 12 viral infections in a year. Most of the time, children may become the target of a virus immediately after recovering from another virus.
The good thing is that the incidence of children catching an infection generally decreases as they grow up. (1)
Signs that could tell your child has got an infection are as below:
- Feeling generally unwell, fatigued and pale1
- Sitting lonely refusing to play
- Wanting to sleep more 1
- Being crankier and fussy2
- Poor appetite; refusing to eat2
- Disturbed sleep2
- Tummy pain2
- Skin rash1
- Fever and chills1
- Red, watery eyes1
- Blocked or runny nose1
- Sore throat, sneezing, cough1
- Headache1
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea1
Although most infections in toddlers would be mild viral infections that resolve spontaneously within few days needing only supportive symptomatic treatment, it can be hard to know what's serious and what's not, because your child can't tell you how he is feeling. So always seek for a doctor’s consultation whenever you notice any of these warning signs:
- No improvement over a three - to five-day period3
- Markedly decreased activity or responsiveness with unusual sleepiness or drowsiness2
- Persistent fever1
- Fits or seizures2
- Refusing to eat or drink anything4
- Continued vomiting, diarrhea that continues despite medication2
- Bloody stool1
- Signs of dehydration, demonstrated by decreased fluid intake; urination less than three times in 24 hours; or decreased tears when crying2
- Persistent cough2
- Breathing difficulties: Increased work of breathing including fast breathing, nostril flaring, and use of rib, stomach, or neck muscles to breathe3
Dr. Bilal Dhayni
Pediatrician
