| Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | R | English | Respiratory | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Trachea;Lungs | Trachea;Lungs | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Cough;Fever;Runny nose | | 2022-11-25T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.30000000000000 | 64.8000000000000 | 1123.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>RSV is a virus that infects the lungs and airways and causes respiratory illness, especially in children. Learn how you can help your child if they have RSV.</p> | <h2>What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?</h2><p>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and airways and causes respiratory illness. It is a very common cause of cold in both children and adults. Most children will have an RSV infection by the age of two. Children are more likely to catch it during the RSV season, typically from November to April, when the virus is most active. Although most children will have a mild infection and not require any medical attention, RSV can also cause <a href="/article?contentid=765&language=english">bronchiolitis</a>, an inflammation of the lower airways, in young infants and toddlers. </p>
<figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Respiratory system</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Respiratory_system_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Location of the lungs, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles and diaphragm in a boy, with close-up on bronchioles and alveoli" /> </figure> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes cold symptoms in most infants and toddlers. However, it can sometimes cause serious breathing problems in some babies and infants, such as bronchiolitis.</li><li>RSV is spread when droplets from someone who is infected with the virus come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of someone nearby. It can also spread when droplets land on surfaces and someone touches that surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.</li><li>You can help prevent spreading the virus by regularly washing your hands and keeping your child away from people who are unwell.</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms caused by respiratory syncytial virus</h2><p>A baby or child with this infection may:</p><ul><li><a href="/article?contentid=774&language=english">cough</a></li><li>have a runny nose</li><li>have a <a href="/article?contentid=30&language=english">fever</a></li><li>sometimes wheeze (breathe with a high-pitched whistling sound)</li></ul><p>Because these are common symptoms, it is easy to mistake RSV for other respiratory viruses. </p><p>In most cases, you can take care of your child with RSV or other respiratory viruses at home as long as they are breathing comfortably, and they are drinking and peeing as usual. The infection usually lasts a few days and resolves without the need for specific treatment.</p><p>In healthy adults, RSV is usually not serious. But adults can pass the virus to children, and older adults are at risk for more severe disease with RSV.</p> | <h2>Respiratory syncytial virus can be serious</h2><p>Some babies and children can develop a severe form of RSV. This may be in the form of <a href="/article?contentid=765&language=english">bronchiolitis</a> or <a href="/article?contentid=784&language=english">pneumonia</a> (lung infection) For more information about bronchiolitis, please see
<a href="/article?contentid=765&language=english">www.aboutkidshealth.ca/bronchiolitis</a>. </p> | <h2>How does respiratory syncytial virus spread?</h2><p>RSV is spread through droplets from a person infected with the virus that are expelled when the person talks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets can make contact with the eyes, nose and mouth of people nearby or they may land on surfaces around the infected person. RSV can live on countertops and other hard objects for more than six hours. It can live on clothes and hands for up to one hour. Contact spread can then occur when someone touches a surface that is contaminated by droplets that contain germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.</p><p>RSV can also be spread by touching:</p><ul><li>mucus from the nose or mouth of a person who has the virus</li><li>soiled tissues, surfaces, clothes and toys a person with the virus has touched</li><li>the unwashed hands of a person with the virus</li></ul> | | <h2>Treatment of respiratory syncytial virus</h2><p>When a child is fighting RSV, treatment is mainly supportive to relieve the symptoms and maintain oxygen and hydration. </p><h3>Treatment for fever</h3><p>If your child has fever and is uncomfortable, you can give them
<a href="/article?contentid=62&language=english">acetaminophen</a> or
<a href="/article?contentid=153&language=english">ibuprofen</a>. For information on how to safely use acetaminophen or ibuprofen tablets by mouth for children please see this
<a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/How_to_use_acetaminophen_or_Ibuprofen_tablets.pdf">information sheet</a>.</p><p>DO NOT give your child
<a href="/article?contentid=77&language=english">acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)</a>. For more information about how to care for a baby, toddler or child with a fever, visit
<a href="/article?contentid=30&language=english">www.aboutkidshealth.ca/fever</a>. </p><h3>Treatment for cough</h3><p>For most children, the cough is just a symptom of the virus. The cough will get better as the virus runs its course. Over-the-counter and prescription cold medicines do not make the illness go away faster. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under six years of age. Most cold and flu medicines are safe for children six years of age or older but need to be given with caution as they can cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, trouble falling asleep or rapid heart rate.</p><p>Sometimes a severe cough can be a sign of a complication, such as a chest infection or asthma. A doctor can listen to your child's chest to assess if your child is having a complication and give treatment for these conditions, if needed.</p><h3>Antibiotics</h3><p>Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, such as RSV, and would not routinely be used as they will not help your child get better faster.</p> | | | <h2>Preventing respiratory syncytial virus</h2><p>You can help stop the spread of RSV by:</p><ul><li>washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching your child. Ask others to do the same.</li><li>coughing or sneezing into your sleeve instead of your hands and putting used tissue into the garbage right away.</li><li>avoiding kissing or similar close contact with your child's face and hands when you are unwell.</li><li>wearing a mask in indoor public settings.</li><li>staying away from your hospitalized premature baby if you are sneezing, coughing or have a runny nose or a fever.</li><li>keeping your baby away from crowds and anyone with sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or a fever, especially during respiratory virus season. Infections spread more easily when there are more people around.</li><li>cleaning surfaces in your home that are touched often on a regular basis, more often during respiratory virus season.</li></ul><p>Do not expose your child to cigarette smoke. Smoking has been associated with increased infection rates.</p><p>No medicine can stop your baby from catching RSV, and getting RSV once does not prevent a future infection. The average person may have an RSV infection multiple times during their lifetime.</p><p>There is no vaccine available for RSV. In certain young children who are at very high risk of RSV, a medication to prevent acquiring RSV called
<a href="/article?contentid=208&language=english">palivizumab</a> may be recommended by health-care providers. This medication may be given to babies born very prematurely, or who have a severe lung or heart condition. </p><p>Visit the
<a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/funded_drug/fund_respiratory.aspx">Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website</a> to find more information about RSV prophylaxis.</p> | <p>You should seek medical attention if your child has trouble taking in enough fluids to avoid dehydration. The first sign of this is reduced urine output (peeing less than usual; diapers are less wet). </p><p>
<strong>Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if:</strong></p><ul><li>your child is working very hard to breathe</li></ul><p><strong><a href="/article?contentid=1041&language=english">Perform CPR</a> and call 911 if:</strong></p><ul><li>your child stops breathing<br></li><li>your child becomes unresponsive </li><li>your child’s skin turns blue (in people with lighter skin), pale or grey (in people with darker skin)</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/respiratory_syncytial_virus.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | rsv | rsv | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/respiratory_syncytial_virus.jpg | | | Main | | |
| Influenza (flu): An overview | Influenza (flu): An overview | Influenza (flu): An overview | I | English | Infectious Diseases | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Cough;Fever;Headache;Sore throat | | 2020-09-30T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.10000000000000 | 70.1000000000000 | 1335.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Although the flu is very common, it can be dangerous for some people including young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or other underlying diseases. Learn more about the flu and how to protect against it.</p> | <h2>What is influenza?</h2><p>Influenza (flu) is a lung infection caused by specific influenza viruses. People can get the flu at any time of year, but it is more common in the fall and winter. <br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Influenza (flu) is not the same as the common cold. </li><li>Flu is caused by the influenza virus. </li><li>Most people who get the flu do not get seriously ill and will have symptoms for two to seven days. </li><li>You can reduce your risk of getting the flu by getting a flu shot each year and washing your hands frequently. </li><li>If your child has the flu they should stay home and rest. If they do not start to feel better after a few days or if symptoms get worse, call your child’s primary care provider.
</li></ul> | | <h2>Common symptoms of the flu</h2><p>People who get the flu usually have some or all of the following symptoms:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=30&language=english">fever</a></li><li>muscle aches</li><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=29&language=english">headache</a></li><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=748&language=english">sore throat</a></li><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=774&language=english">cough</a></li><li>fatigue and weakness</li></ul><p>Most of these symptoms usually last for two to seven days. Rare but serious complications of the flu include bacterial pneumonia and influenza infection of the brain. </p> | <h2>The flu can be serious for some people</h2><p>Most people who have the flu will not become seriously ill. But the flu can be more serious for some people. Typically, those most at risk are in one of the following groups:</p><ul><li>Children under two years of age</li><li>People 65 years of age or older</li><li>People living in long-term care facilities such as a nursing home, a home for the aged or a chronic care hospital </li><li>People with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease</li><li>People with diabetes, cancer, immune system problems or sickle cell anaemia</li><li>Children and teenagers aged six months to 18 years who have been treated with
<a href="/article?contentid=77&language=english">acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)</a> for long periods </li><li>People who have trouble clearing mucus from their nose and throat because of weakness or underlying illness</li></ul><p>These groups, and anyone who lives or works with people from these groups, should generally be immunized each year with the flu vaccine (flu shot). That way, people from these high-risk groups are less likely to be infected with the flu. </p> | <h2>How the flu spreads</h2><p>The flu spreads very easily from an infected person to others through coughing and sneezing. It is also spread by touching objects after someone with the flu has touched them. </p> | | <h2>Treating the flu</h2><p>If you or your child have the flu, stay home and rest. Usually, treatment is focused on the symptoms the person is feeling. For example, if your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever. </p><p>For information on how to safely use acetaminophen or ibuprofen tablets by mouth for children please see this <a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/How_to_use_acetaminophen_or_Ibuprofen_tablets.pdf">information sheet</a>.</p>
<p>Do not give
<a href="/article?contentid=77&language=english">acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)</a> to a child under 16 years of age. Do not give cough medicines to children under six years of age. Always read the label before giving any medicine.</p><p>In addition to fluids and pain medicine, other ways to treat flu symptoms include:</p><ul><li>applying heat on painful areas for short periods of time using a hot water bottle or heating pad to reduce muscle pain</li><li>taking a warm bath</li><li>gargling with a glass of warm water</li><li>using saline drops or spray and suction to clear a stuffy nose</li><li>keeping your home smoke free</li></ul><p>Call your child’s primary care provider if the above measures do not relieve your child's flu symptoms and your child feels worse or if you are worried.</p><h2>If your child has the flu in the hospital </h2><p>Your child will be placed in a single room and will not be able to visit the playroom until they are feeling better. Ask the child life specialist to bring toys and supplies to your child’s room.</p><p>Hospital staff will be wearing a mask, eye protection, gloves and gowns when they visit.</p><p>Wash your hands often, either with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water, before and after touching your child and before leaving your child's room. Hospital staff should wash their hands as well.</p><p>If you or anyone else who has visited becomes ill with symptoms of the flu, let your child's doctor or nurse know. </p> | | | <h2>Preventing the flu</h2><p>To help prevent the flu, it is important that you and your child get a flu shot every year.</p><p>You should also
<a href="/article?contentid=1981&language=english">wash your hands</a> well. This can help prevent you from catching or spreading the flu. This is very important in hospitals, but it is true in other places as well. </p><p>Clean surfaces in your house regularly, especially ones you touch often. These include doorknobs, fridge doors, light switches, phones and computers.</p><p>If you have the flu, you should do the following things to avoid spreading it.</p><ul><li>Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue, then wash your hands. These steps will help prevent spreading the flu and other respiratory viruses. </li><li>Do not visit the hospital when you are sick with symptoms of the flu. No one who is sick should visit a patient in the hospital, even if they are a relative. </li></ul><h3>The flu shot </h3><p>
<strong>Does the flu shot really work?</strong></p><div class="asset-video">https://www.youtube.com/embed/MOUbk315E40</div><p>For more videos from SickKids experts in collaboration with Youngster, visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKMd2cYwegtZX19uHdNLQA">Youngster on YouTube</a>.</p><p>The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is made from pieces of killed or live but weakened flu viruses. It contains three or four different types of flu viruses. A person who receives the flu shot develops immunity for the types of flu in the vaccine. Immunity means the body builds up protection against the virus. </p><p>The body needs about two weeks after the shot to build up protection against the virus. This protection lasts for about six months.</p><p>The flu shot will not protect against other viruses, such as viruses that cause the common cold. </p><p>For tips on how to make vaccinations as easy and pain-free as possible, please read the articles,
<a href="/article?contentid=989&language=english">Needle pokes: Reducing pain in infants aged up to 18 months</a> and
<a href="/article?contentid=990&language=english">Needle pokes: Reducing pain in children aged 18 months or over</a>.<br></p><h3>A flu shot every year </h3><p>People need a new flu shot every year. The flu virus changes each year, so a different vaccine has to be used each year too. Doctors and scientists find out the types of flu virus that are circulating around the world. The vaccine is then made to protect against the types that are most likely to occur each year.</p><h3>Most people can get a flu shot </h3><p>The flu shot is free to people living in Ontario. Anyone older than six months of age should have the flu shot unless there is a reason not to. The best time to get the flu shot is in the fall, before the flu becomes more common. Ask your child's primary care provider if your child can get the flu shot. </p><h3>The flu shot and COVID-19</h3><p>It is more important than ever to get a flu shot during
<a href="/article?contentid=3872&language=english&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19</a>. Getting the flu shot can help to reduce unnecessary testing for COVID-19, since symptoms of both illnesses are similar. It is also important to reduce your and your child’s chances of getting the flu in order to avoid trips to the doctor’s office or hospital. This will help to make sure that doctor’s offices and hospitals are not overwhelmed with flu cases while also treating COVID-19 cases. </p><p>The flu shot will not protect against COVID-19, therefore it is still important to wear a mask, perform hand hygiene and maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from those who are not in your social circle.</p> | <h2>When to seek medical attention</h2><p>Go see a doctor or to hospital if your baby is less than three months old and:</p><ul><li>has a fever</li><li>has fast or difficult breathing</li><li>is vomiting or not feeding</li></ul><p>Go see a doctor if your child:</p><ul><li>is more sleepy than usual</li><li>is more fussy than usual</li><li>is not drinking enough fluids or has not peed at least every six hours when awake</li><li>is vomiting</li><li>is having chest or stomach pain</li><li>is not feeling better after five days or gets better but then suddenly gets worse</li></ul><p>Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if your child:</p><ul><li>is breathing quickly, or seems to be working hard to breathe</li><li>is very weak, dizzy, hard to wake up or does not respond well</li><li>is very fussy or cannot be comforted</li><li>is limping or refusing to walk</li><li>has bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin</li><li>has a stiff neck, severe headache or a seizure</li><li>has a very fast heart rate, even when the fever is down</li></ul><p>If you have any concerns, call your doctor or your local public health agency. In Ontario, you can also call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.</p><p>If you or your child is in a high-risk group, call your doctor right away when you get flu symptoms. There are specific anti-viral medicines available to help treat flu. These medicines must be started early in the illness to be effective. Contact your child's doctor for more information. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/influenza_overview.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | flu | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/influenza_overview.jpg | | This year, it is more important than ever to get a flu shot. Learn about the flu shot and COVID-19, symptoms of flu and flu prevention. | Main | | |
| Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) | Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) | Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) | V | English | Infectious Diseases;Gastrointestinal | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Stomach;Small Intestine;Large Intestine/Colon | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Abdominal pain;Diarrhea;Fever;Headache;Vomiting | | 2019-03-12T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.0000000000000 | 48.1000000000000 | 861.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Viral gastroenteritis, often called "stomach flu," is an infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Learn the symptoms and treatment of viral gastroenteritis.</p> | <h2>What is viral gastroenteritis?</h2><p>Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis means the inflammation is caused by infection from a virus. It often causes <a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> (throwing up), <a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a> or both.</p><p>Viral gastroenteritis is often called "stomach flu," but it is not caused by the influenza virus. Viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis include rotaviruses, torovirus, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, and a group of Norwalk-like viruses.</p><h3>Viral gastroenteritis is NOT caused by any of the following, although the symptoms may be similar:</h3><ul><li>bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli </li><li>parasites such as Giardia </li><li>medications </li><li>other medical conditions </li></ul> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines, caused by a virus.</li><li>The main symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.</li><li>Diarrhea and vomiting can cause a loss of fluids, also called dehydration.</li><li>If dehydration is severe, patients may have to be given fluid intravenously (IV) at the hospital.</li><li>Viral gastroenteritis can spread by sharing food, water and utensils. Frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of infection to others.</li><li>Viral gastroenteritis is usually not a serious illness. However, people who have weak immune systems are at risk for more serious infection.</li></ul> | | <h2>What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?</h2><p>Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.</p><p>In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, a child with viral gastroenteritis may have the following symptoms. </p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">Fever</a></li><li>Stomach cramps or a sore stomach</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">Headache</a></li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Decreased activity level</li><li>Increased sleepiness</li><li>Decreased appetite </li></ul><p>In general, the symptoms begin one to two days after catching the virus. They can last for one to 10 days.</p> | <h2>Viral gastroenteritis can be spread</h2><h3>Viral gastroenteritis can spread through the following methods:</h3><ul><li>sharing food, water or eating utensils such as forks and knives with someone who has the virus</li><li>not washing hands after touching items that may have the virus on their surface</li><li>not washing hands after diaper changes or toileting</li></ul><p>It is important to clean and disinfect surfaces and items that your child touches, including toys, and wash laundry thoroughly to remove the virus from your home. </p><h2>Anyone can catch viral gastroenteritis</h2><p>People of all ages and backgrounds can get viral gastroenteritis. However, different groups often get different viruses:</p><ul><li>Babies and toddlers tend to get rotaviruses and torovirus more often. </li><li>Adenoviruses and astroviruses tend to cause diarrhea mostly in young children. </li><li>Norwalk-like viruses are more likely to cause diarrhea in older children and adults. </li></ul> | | | <h2>Treating viral gastroenteritis</h2><p>The best treatment for viral gastroenteritis in children and adults is to prevent <a href="/Article?contentid=776&language=English">dehydration</a>. Dehydration happens when more fluid leaves the body than enters it.</p><h3>Symptoms of dehydration include:</h3><ul><li>Dry, cracked lips and a dry or sticky mouth </li><li>Thirst </li><li>Low or no urine output; concentrated urine appears dark yellow </li><li>Not producing tears </li><li>Being fussy or cranky </li><li>Seeming bored or uninterested </li><li>Headache </li><li>Dizziness </li><li>Cramps </li><li>Chills </li><li>Fatigue </li></ul><h3>In severe cases, dehydration can cause:</h3><ul><li>Sunken eyes </li><li>Sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on the top of a baby's head </li><li>Nausea or vomiting </li><li>Irritability</li><li>Lethargy (little to no energy)</li></ul><p>If your child becomes severely dehydrated, they may need to be treated at the hospital. In the hospital, fluids can be replaced through an intravenous line (IV) if necessary. </p><h2>Viral gastroenteritis is rarely a serious illness</h2><p>For most people, viral gastroenteritis is not a serious illness. People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely without any long-term problems. How fast a child recovers from viral gastroenteritis partly depends on which virus is causing the illness.</p><p>Viral gastroenteritis can be a serious illness in people who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhea. Babies, young children, and people who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from losing too much of the body's water.</p><p>People with immune system problems are at risk for dehydration because they may get more severe symptoms, including more vomiting and diarrhea. People with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital to treat or prevent dehydration.</p> | | | <h2>You can prevent viral gastroenteritis with good hand washing</h2>
<h3>To avoid catching or spreading viral gastroenteritis, you should do the following things:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Wash hands well and often. This is especially important at hospitals and other medical facilities. </li>
<li>Do not visit anyone in hospital when you are ill with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. Ask other family members and friends to do the same. </li>
</ul> | <h2>If your child is in hospital, help stop viral gastroenteritis from spreading</h2><ul><li>Your child may be placed in a single room and will not be able to visit the playroom until they are feeling better. </li><li>Wash your hands often before and after touching your child and before leaving your child's room. Expect hand washing by hospital staff as well. </li><li>If you or anyone else who has visited becomes ill with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, let your child's doctor or nurse know.</li><li>If your child has symptoms of viral gastroenteritis and they are in the hospital, all staff caring for your child should wear gloves and a gown. </li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/viral_gastroenteritis_flu.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | stomachflu | stomachflu | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/viral_gastroenteritis_flu.jpg | | Stomach flu is an infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Learn the symptoms and treatment of stomach flu. | Main | | |
| Fever | Fever | Fever | F | English | NA | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Fever | | 2019-02-13T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 62.9000000000000 | 2359.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>A fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Learn how to properly care for a baby, toddler or child with a fever.</p> | <p>A fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection. When the body's defense (immune) system is activated by a bacteria or a virus, many reactions occur in the body. Fever is one sign of these reactions. Fever is not a disease or illness itself but a signal that something is going on in the body. How your child looks and acts are more important than how high the fever is.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection.</li><li>A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher means a fever. </li><li>See your doctor if your child has a temperature that lasts for more than three days or if your child has a fever and is less than three months old.</li><li>Pay attention to how your child looks and acts. Keep a record of the number of days of fever.</li><li>To keep your child comfortable, dress your child lightly. Give your child lots of fluids to drink, and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it seems to make your child feel better.</li></ul> | | <h2>What to expect when your child has a fever</h2>
<p>Fevers can go up and down on their own without medication. Fevers can make children feel uncomfortable. </p>
<ul>
<li>When symptoms are mild, your child may be slightly cranky or have aches and pains. Some children are less active and sleepier. They may not be interested in eating or drinking.</li>
<li>Some fevers may be associated with shaking (chills or rigors) as the body temperature is changing. This type of shaking is one way for the body to try to regulate the temperature. It is not a seizure or convulsion, and is not associated with changes in the child's level of consciousness.</li>
<li>Approximately 5% of children between the ages of six months and six years may have <a href="/Article?contentid=1&language=English">febrile seizures</a>. They are episodes called a seizure or convulsion associated with a fever. Your child should see a doctor after a febrile seizure, but febrile seizures are generally not dangerous.</li>
</ul>
<p>The type of infection causing the fever usually determines how often the fever recurs and how long the fever lasts. Fevers due to viruses can last for as little as two to three days and sometime as long as two weeks. A fever caused by a bacterial infection may continue until the child is treated with an antibiotic.</p>
| <h2>What causes fever?</h2>
<p>Many different infections can cause a fever. To find out what is causing your child's fever, the doctor will look at other signs or symptoms of the illness, not the fever itself. How high a fever is does not help the doctor to decide whether an infection is mild or severe, or whether an infection is from a bacteria or a virus.</p>
<p>It is important to know how many days of fever your child has had. You should keep a record of your child's fevers so that you can accurately tell the doctor how long the fever has been present.</p>
<h3>Fever may also be caused by other conditions</h3>
<ul>
<li>A mild increase in body temperature can occur with exercise or too much clothing, after a hot bath or shower, or in hot weather.</li>
<li>Rarely, <a href="/Article?contentid=1915&language=English">heat stroke</a> or exposure to certain medications or drugs can cause a severe and possibly dangerous increase in body temperature.</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=1986&language=English">Vaccinations</a> can cause fever. </li>
<li>Some non-infectious illnesses and inflammatory conditions can cause recurrent or persistent fevers. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Teething does not cause fever</h3>
<p>Many people believe that <a href="/Article?contentid=304&language=English">teething</a> causes fever. Research shows us that teething does not cause real fever. If your baby has a fever, do not assume it is due to teething.<br></p>
| | <h2>Does my child have a fever?</h2><h3>A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a fever</h3><p>Children often feel warm to the touch when they have a fever. To confirm that your child has a fever, use a thermometer to measure your child's body temperature. A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher means that your child has a fever.</p><h3>Measuring your child’s temperature</h3><p>Do NOT use a glass thermometer which contains mercury.</p><p>The
<a href="/Article?contentid=966&language=English">most accurate way to measure temperature</a> is with a thermometer:</p><ul class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure a rectal temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_rectal_EN.jpg" alt="Baby lying on tummy across a lap with thermometer inserted in the baby's rectum" /></figure>
<p>Inserted into the anus or rectum (rectal temperature) in babies and children under three years of age</p></li><li>
<figure><span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an oral temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_oral_EN.jpg" alt="Young girl lying under a blanket while her temperature is taken by mouth" /></figure>
<p>Placed in the mouth (oral temperature) in older children able to hold the thermometer in their mouth long enough</p></li></ul><p>Other methods of measuring temperature may sometimes be useful but less accurate. These methods include: </p><ul class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an armpit (axillary) temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_armpit_EN.jpg" alt="Baby lying on their back with a thermometer held under the armpit" /></figure>
<p>Using a thermometer in the armpit (axillary temperature)</p></li><li>
<figure><span class="asset-image-title">How to measure an ear (tympanic) temperature</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_temperature_ear_EN.jpg" alt="Boy having his temperature taken by ear with one hand holding the ear up and the other holding the thermometer in the ear" /></figure>
<p>Using an ear thermometer (tympanic temperature)</p></li></ul><p>You should avoid using a thermometer on the forehead or pacifier thermometer to check a temperature because they are inaccurate.</p><h3>Fever in babies younger than three months</h3><p>If your baby is less than three months old and has a fever, you need to see a doctor immediately.</p><p>For babies less than one month of age, fever may be a sign of a serious infection. If this happens on the weekend, do not wait to see your doctor; go to the nearest Emergency Department right away to have your baby assessed by a doctor. Do not give any fever medication to your baby unless a doctor says so.<br></p> | | | <h2>Taking care of your child with a fever</h2><h3>Clothing</h3><p>Keep your child lightly dressed. Most body heat is lost through the skin, so overdressing or bundling your child may result in a higher fever and can make your child more uncomfortable. If your child is having chills or shivers, give them a light blanket. Keep the room temperature at a level that is comfortable for you, when lightly dressed.</p><h3>Extra fluids</h3><p>Fever will make your child's body lose some fluid (liquid), so encourage your child to drink extra fluids to avoid
<a href="/Article?contentid=776&language=English">dehydration</a>. Whether you give your child cold or warm drinks does not matter. However, cool water or drinks may help your child feel more comfortable.</p><h3>Sponging</h3><p>Sponging is unnecessary to help lower body temperature and may make your child more uncomfortable. Sponging may just cool the outside of your child's body and cause them to shiver without really affecting the internal body temperature. Only use sponging in an emergency, such as heat stroke.</p><h3>Medication</h3><p>You should use medication to keep your child comfortable. You should not base your judgment on how high the fever but rather on how your child is feeling. Medication may only reduce the fever by 1°C to 2°C (2°F to 3°F) and may not bring the temperature down to normal.</p><p>Fevers may also cycle up and down on their own, so it is difficult to tell whether a fever is reduced because of medication or because of the natural fever pattern. If your child is sleeping comfortably, it is not necessary to wake them up to give medications. </p><h3>Two types of medication are usually recommended for managing fever</h3><p>They are:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=62&language=English">acetaminophen</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=153&language=English">ibuprofen</a></li></ul><p>Both drugs are available in tablets, capsules and liquid formulations of various strengths. Acetaminophen is also available as a rectal suppository. Do not put a tablet intended for the mouth into a child's rectum.</p><p>Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide on the most appropriate formulation and dose for your child. The correct dose for a child is based on body weight. An estimated dose is usually provided on the medication package. Note that acetaminophen and ibuprofen have different doses and different lengths of time between doses. </p><p>For information on how to safely use acetaminophen or ibuprofen tablets by mouth for children please see this <a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/How_to_use_acetaminophen_or_Ibuprofen_tablets.pdf">information sheet</a>.</p>
<p>These drugs can make your child more comfortable, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the fever. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen do not interact with each other. They may be equally effective in lowering a temperature. Keep track of when you have given any medication. You should not routinely alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen.</p><p>If your child has a pre-existing medical condition or is already taking other medicines, talk to your child's doctor to make sure that acetaminophen or ibuprofen is safe for your child.</p><h3>Do not use ASA (Aspirin) to treat your child's fever </h3><p>Although rare,
<a href="/Article?contentid=77&language=English">ASA (acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin)</a> has been linked to a severe condition called Reye's syndrome. Do not give ASA to a child to manage a fever unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so. You may need to check the label of other medication or ask your pharmacist to make sure that they do not contain ASA. </p> | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2><h3>See your child's regular doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department right away if your child has a fever and: </h3><ul><li>Your child is less than three months old.</li><li>You have recently returned from travelling abroad. </li><li>Your child develops a rash that looks like small purple dots that do not go away when you apply pressure with your fingers (blanching). </li><li>Your child is not able to keep down any fluids, is not peeing and appears dehydrated. </li><li>Your child's skin looks very pale or grey, or is cool or mottled. </li><li>Your child is in constant pain. </li><li>Your child is lethargic (very weak) or difficult to wake up. </li><li>Your child has a stiff neck. </li><li>Your child has a seizure associated with fever for the first time or a long seizure associated with fever. </li><li>Your child is looking or acting very sick. </li><li>Your child seems confused or delirious.</li><li>Your child does not use their arm or leg normally or refuses to stand up. </li><li>Your child has problems breathing. </li><li>Your child cries constantly and cannot be settled. </li></ul><h3>See a doctor within one to two days if your child has a fever and: </h3><ul><li>Your child is between three and six months old.</li><li>Your child has specific pain, such as ear or throat pain that may require evaluation.</li><li>Your child has had a fever for more than three days. </li><li>The fever went away for over 24 hours and then came back. </li><li>Your child has a bacterial infection that is being treated with an antibiotic, but the fever is not going away after two to three days of starting the antibiotic. </li><li>Your child cries when going to the bathroom. </li><li>You have other concerns or questions. </li></ul><p>If you are unsure, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (toll-free number) if you live in Ontario.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Myths about fever</h2><p>There are many myths about fever, and some of these myths may make you worry unnecessarily. If your child has a fever, the most important thing is how your child looks and acts. </p><h3>Myth: Fever needs to be treated with medication</h3><p>This is wrong! The fever itself is not dangerous and does not need to be treated. Medication should be used to make your child more comfortable when they have a fever. If your child is comfortable with a fever (either awake or sleeping) you do not need to give them fever medication. </p><h3>Myth: The exact number of the temperature is useful</h3><p>That is wrong! The most important part of assessing a child with fever is how the child looks and acts, especially after treating the fever with medication. For example a child who appears well but has a high temperature is less concerning than a child who only has a mild fever, but who appears quite unwell or unresponsive. Some minor viral illnesses may trigger high fevers; some serious bacterial infections may be associated with an abnormally low body temperature. In any case, you should measure your child’s temperature so you can keep a record of the number of days of fever.</p><h3>Myth: Fevers cause brain damage</h3><p>That is wrong! Most fevers associated with infections are less than 42°C (107.6°F). These fevers do not cause brain damage. Only a persistent body temperature greater than 44°C (111.2°F) can cause brain damage. These body temperatures are more likely to occur with heat stroke or after exposure to certain street drugs or medications, such as anaesthetic or some psychiatric medicines. They do not occur with the usual infections that children can have. </p><h3>Myth: Fevers are bad for children</h3><p>That is wrong! A fever is just a sign that the body's immune system has been activated. Fevers help to fight infections because many germs do not survive as well at slightly higher body temperatures. Thus most fevers have a beneficial effect despite your child’s discomfort. The main reason to use medication is to make the child feel better. </p><h3>Myth: Fevers should always respond to ibuprofen or acetaminophen</h3><p>That is wrong! These medications help make children feel more comfortable but may only reduce the fever by 1°C to 2°C (2°F to 3°F) and may not bring the temperature down to normal. Sometimes a fever continues even after giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen.</p><h3>Myth: Fevers should respond quickly to antibiotics </h3><p>That is wrong! Antibiotics are only useful in treating bacterial infections. The antibiotic will start working to fight the bacteria as soon as your child takes it, but it may take two to three days before the fever goes away. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. Since most infections in children are caused by viruses, an antibiotic will be of no use in these cases. </p><h3>Myth: Treating the fever will prevent febrile seizures </h3><p>This is wrong! Treating the fever will not prevent febrile seizures and you should not use medications for this purpose. Febrile seizures usually run in families and are more likely to happen at the beginning of your child’s infection.</p> |
<h2>References</h2><p>Richardson M, Purssell E. (2015). Who's afraid of fever?
<em>Arch Dis Child</em>. 100(9):818-20. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2015-309491. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/100/9/818">https://adc.bmj.com/content/100/9/818</a></p>
<br>
<p>Sullivan JE, Farrar HC. (2011). Fever and antipyretic use in children.
<em>Pediatrics</em>. 127(3):580-7. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852. Retrieved February 10th, 2016. <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf">https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/127/3/580.full.pdf</a> </p>
<br>
<p>Mistry N, Hudak A. (2014). Combined and alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen therapy for febrile children.
<em>Paediatrics & Child Health</em>. 19(10):531-2. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276386/pdf/pch-19-531.pdf">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276386/pdf/pch-19-531.pdf</a> and Corrigendum. (2015).
<em>Paediatrics & Child Health</em>, 20(8), 466–467. Retrieved on February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699537/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699537/</a> </p>
<br>
<p>National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health (2013).
<em>Feverish illness in children: assessment and initial management in children younger than 5 years</em> (2nd ed.). Sections 9.1 and 9.2. London, UK: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Retrieved February 10th, 2016
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327853/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327853/</a><br></p> | | | | | | | fever | fever,fievre | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/fever.jpg | | | Main | | |
