Viral Syndrome in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is viral syndrome?

Viral syndrome is a term used for symptoms of an infection caused by a virus. Viruses are spread easily from person to person on shared items.

What are the signs and symptoms of viral syndrome?

Signs and symptoms may start slowly or suddenly and last hours to days. They can be mild to severe and can change over days or hours. Your child may have any of the following:

• Fever and chills
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
• Headache, or pain and pressure around the eyes
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

How is viral syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and examine him or her. Antibiotics are not given for a viral infection. Your child's healthcare provider may recommend the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. 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 or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
• Saline nasal spray may help relieve congestion in your child's sinuses.

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 or her. You may need to give your child an oral electrolyte solution if he or she is vomiting or has diarrhea. Do not give your child liquids that contain caffeine. Caffeine can make dehydration worse.
• Have your child rest. Encourage naps throughout the day. Rest may help your child feel better faster.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for your child to breathe and help decrease his or her cough.
• Give saline nose drops to your baby if he or she has nasal congestion. Place a few saline drops into each nostril. Gently insert a suction bulb to remove the mucus.
• 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 or her temperature.

What can I do to prevent the spread of germs?

• Have your child wash his or her hands often with soap and water. Remind your child to rub his or her soapy hands together, lacing the fingers, for at least 20 seconds. Have your child rinse with warm, running water. Help your child dry his or her hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Remind your child to use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Remind to child to cover sneezes and coughs. Show your child how to use a tissue to cover his or her mouth and nose. Have your child throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Remind your child to cough or sneeze into the bend of his or her arm if possible. Then have your child wash his or her hands well with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Keep your child home while he or she is sick. This is especially important during the first 3 to 5 days of illness. The virus is most contagious during this time.
• Remind your child not to share items. Examples include toys, drinks, and food.

• Ask about vaccines your child needs. Vaccines help prevent some infections that cause disease. Have your child get a yearly flu vaccine as soon as recommended, usually in September or October. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you other vaccines your child should get, and when to get them.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• azathioprine

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast.
• Your child's lips, tongue, or nails are blue.
• 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 or her 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 usual.
• Your child has severe abdominal pain or his or her abdomen is larger than normal.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• 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 your baby has poor feeding.
• Your child has a rash, ear pain, or a sore throat.
• Your child has pain when he or she urinates.
• Your child is irritable and fussy, and you cannot calm him or her down.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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