How long does a viral infection last?
My son has been sick now for over a week with fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea , etc and doctor tell me it’s a viral infection. Normally, how long does a viral infection last?
Answer:
There are over hundred different varieties of viruses. This is why we see children getting new colds repeatedly. The symptoms of viral infection are pretty much the same, but the virus causing the sickness is different. This is why it frequently seems your child has been sick and not getting better. What is frequently happening is that they are simply getting another one of their many expected viral illnesses for the year.
Viral infection symptoms may include fever (not lasting more than three days), nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. Again, the fever should not last longer than three days. The rest of the symptoms may last about seven to ten days. At last, the cough can persist for up to two to three weeks after the other symptoms have vanished.
Viral infection treatment
Antibiotics don’t treat colds and will only cause unnecessary side effects. Your child’s immune system is what will fight the virus and get them through the sickness.
Until your child is older than six months, it is best not to give any medicines. If your child has a persistent fever, trouble breathing in the chest, is not taking fluids well or you have concerns, they should be seen prior to treating them with over the counter medicines at home.
Generally, Tylenol or Ibuprofen for aches and pains with lots of rest and fluids will help your child get better the fastest. Cold medicines can also be used. It is essential to fit what symptoms your child is having with the appropriate medicines that will treat them.
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