Is viral fever contagious?

My child is 5 years old, has a viral fever, I am taking care of him at home, reducing the fever by cooling him. Is the disease contagious, when should I take him to the hospital? (Ngoc Quyen, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Viral fever is a condition in which a child is infected with a virus or bacteria that causes an infection. Fever is a sign that the child's body is responding to fight off the pathogen.

Many common viruses that cause viral fever include enterovirus, adenovirus, rhinovirus... They can enter the child's body through the respiratory or digestive tract.

In addition to the common symptom of fever, children may have other symptoms such as cough, sneezing, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore tonsils, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing, rash, swollen eyes, vomiting...

Fever is just one of the symptoms of viral fever, the symptom itself is not contagious. However, the agents that cause fever are viruses and bacteria that can spread the disease. If the virus is in the respiratory tract, it is transmitted through droplets, coughing, sneezing, kissing. In the case of the virus in the digestive tract, it is transmitted through food and drink, unsanitary food, sharing eating utensils with sick people, waste such as feces, urine. The level of danger depends on the virulence of each type of virus and the child's constitution.

Viral fever-causing agents can be transmitted through the respiratory tract when children cough or sneeze. Photo: Freepik

Your child has a viral fever and needs to be isolated and treated, and contact with other children should be limited to reduce the risk of infection. All family members should wash their hands several times a day with soap and water, antiseptic solution, eat cooked food and drink boiled water, do not share personal items, and keep the living space clean.

Children with uncomplicated viral fever will gradually improve and recover after about 7 days, maximum about 10 days. You can reduce your child's fever by regularly cooling the body, bathing in warm water, drinking plenty of water, and using over-the-counter fever-reducing medications for children with viral fever (usually Ibuprofen, acetaminophen). Your child needs to eat enough nutrients. If the fever lasts more than 7 days, you should take your child to the hospital for treatment.

If your child shows signs such as breathing faster than normal, chest retraction, convulsions, lethargy, constant crying, vomiting and diarrhea too much, urinating less than usual, dry lips... you should go to the hospital immediately.

MD.CKI Nguyen Thi Hanh Trang
Department of Pediatrics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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