Preventing VRIs this winter — tips from AboutKidsHealth
GUEST BLOG – Jessica Fishbein, AboutKidsHealthMany people are cautious of catching a cold at this time of year, but there are other respiratory infections that you should also be aware of. Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) affect the lungs and airways. “Viral” means they are caused by viruses, including respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, and rhinoviruses (viruses that cause the common cold).
If your child has a VRI, they may have these symptoms:
• coughing
• sneezing
• runny nose
• sore throat
• fever
• trouble breathing
How do VRIs spread?
A VRI can spread through:
• touching mucus from the nose or mouth of someone with the virus
• touching used tissues or surfaces that someone with the virus has touched
• touching the unwashed hands of someone with the virus
Good handwashing practices help prevent the spread of VRIs. If you have symptoms of a VRI, it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and avoid going to the hospital unless necessary.
Preventing a VRI is particularly important for vulnerable populations. These include babies and young children, as well as those who have an immune system problem or cannot care for themselves, such as the elderly and disabled. These people are more at risk for developing serious complications from a VRI, such as pneumonia.
Premature or sick babies can be at high risk from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in young infants and children. RSV medicine (injected with a needle) can help lessen symptoms of RSV infection.
Flu shots can help protect against certain strains of the flu, but will not protect you from other VRIs.
Good handwashing practices help prevent the spread of VRIs.
How to treat a VRI
If your child has a VRI, here is what you can do to help them get better:
• Ensure that your child rests.
• Have your child drink clear fluids, such as water and apple juice, to avoid getting dehydrated. If your child is dehydrated in the hospital, they can receive fluids through an intravenous line (IV).
• Your child may be prescribed medicine so they can breathe more easily. However, your child will likely not take antibiotics, since VRIs are caused by viruses.
AboutKidsHealth is SickKids’ patient-education website and features more than 3,500 articles on a range of paediatric health topics. For more information on how to stay safe during winter activities, please visit www.aboutkidshealth.ca.
