Viral Infections in Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cold and influenza are some of the most common viral infections. Apart from these, other examples of viral infections include chicken pox, covid 19, mumps, measles, etc.

Are Viral Infections Common in Babies?

Yes, viral infections are common in babies. In fact, these infections occur as commonly as in adults. Babies have an immature immunity system. They will take time to adapt to the new environment in the real world after staying secure in the mother’s womb for nine months. Till babies’ immune systems strengthen with growth and exposure, babies will be at risk of contracting viral fevers and infections.

Causes of Viral Infection in Babies

The cause of viral transmission is different for each virus. Different viruses transfer differently. Viral infection can occur due to various reasons like:

• Taking contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• Inhaling the air containing the respiratory droplets of the infected person
• Blood transfusion
• Through insects like mosquitoes or due to the bite or scratch of animals like stray dogs, bats, foxes and racoons
• Spread of viruses from one place to another through insects like house flies, ticks, and bugs
• Contaminated needles
• Coming in contact with contaminated faeces and vomit
• Vertical transmission or transmission to the baby from the mother
• Horizontal transmission or transmission from one kid at school to another

Top Most Common Viral Infection in Infants

Some of the most common viral infections in infants are

• Common cold
• Flu
• Measles
• Smallpox
• Chickenpox
• Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD)
• Hepatitis
• Tonsillitis

[Read : Cough in Babies]

Signs and Symptoms of Viral Infections in Babies

The symptoms of a viral infection can differ from one person to another. But fever is a common symptom in most viral infections. Fever caused by a viral infection is called viral fever. Other common symptoms of a viral infection in babies are-

• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Coughing or sneezing
• Red and watery eyes
• Rashes on skin
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Weakness or tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• An unusually fussy baby

These are some of the common symptoms of a viral infection. However, there are some danger signs you need to lookout for in your baby-

• Diarrhea that persists even after giving medicine
• Bloody stool
• Too much lethargy, drowsiness, sleepiness
• Continuous fever, even after a week
• Bluish tint around lips, fingernails, skin, or ashen complexion
• Seizures or fits
• Baby continues to reject food
• Dehydration in baby
• Persistent cough
• Vomiting which is continuing despite medication
• Difficulty in breathing

Besides these, specific viruses can cause specific symptoms. The severity of the infection depends on the type of the virus and the viral load. Viral infection like flu, influenza, and even the recent Covid 19 is less harmful and cured within one to two weeks. On the other hand, a virus like HIV – if it gets into the body, stays for life and continues to damage the immune system.

[Read : Flu in Babies]

How is Viral Infection Diagnosed in Babies?

Diagnosis of viral infection in babies can be done simply by observing the common symptoms in minor cases. For a more severe condition, a doctor can prescribe a few tests to confirm the viral disease before treatment. These tests are:

• Blood test of complete blood cell count
• Antigen testing
• Swab testing
• Antibody testing
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Test
• Blood culture
• Stool test or stool culture

Treatment Options For Viral Infection in Babies

Usually, viral infection treatment for babies is done through symptom tracing and symptom treatment. For instance:

• ORS and Zinc tablets for diarrhea
• Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen for high fever and body pain
• Nasal drops and cough syrups for cough and cold
• Antihistamines and moisturizing creams for skin rashes and itching
• Antiemetic drugs like ondansetron for vomiting
• Besides these doctors can even prescribe antiviral medicines like interferon, zidovudine, lamivudine, ribavirin, oseltamivir, etc. for special cases.

Home Remedies For Viral Infection in Babies

The viral infection in babies is often not so severe and can be treated at home with some home remedies. It is better to let the body’s immune system take time to fight against pathogens completely. For this, the body will require enough nutrition and rest. The home remedies you can try for treating your baby’s viral infection are:

• Giving plenty of fluids will reduce the chances of dehydration. The body can lose fluid in case of diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever. Thus a constant supply of fluid is required. Serve ORS and fruit juices from time to time and ensure your baby is taking enough water.
• Taking rest is extremely necessary to fight the viruses. The body will naturally get tired and weak during viral infection. Make your home atmosphere calm and warm so that your baby can take a good sleep while fighting the virus.
• Providing Food in small intervals. You may find that the appetite of your baby is decreasing during a viral infection. It is completely normal but you should not let them skip their meals. The energy driven by the food will be required to fight viruses. Thus, ensure to give small frequent meals to your baby.
• Neem bath or oatmeal bath for itching and rashes on the skin.
• For fever, try sponging the baby with normal or slightly cold water to lower the body temperature.
• Steaming can help babies who have blocked nose and symptoms of flu.
• Do talk to your doctor before using any home remedies to make sure that they are safe for your baby.

[Read : Sponge Bath Your Baby]

How to Prevent Your Baby From Getting a Viral Infection?

The best preventive measure for viral infection is to get your baby vaccinated. Vaccines for Influenza, Hepatitis, Polio, Rotavirus, Tuberculosis, Measles, Diphtheria, etc. are now given from childhood to prevent these diseases. So, make sure your baby is getting all the vaccines on time.

There are certain measures that one can take to prevent viral diseases like flu, Covid 19, dengue etc. These are

• Washing hands with soap
• Sterilizing baby’s bottles etc.
• Avoiding crowded places, especially during a disease outbreak.
• Keeping the house and surroundings clean and well-ventilated.
• Maintaining food and water safety and hygiene.
• Disinfecting the house regularly.
• Wearing face masks whenever stepping out, or around an infected person.

Tips to Help Your Baby Who Has a Viral Infection

You can ease the discomfort of your baby during viral infection by

• Sponging the body in case of high fever
• Giving liquid food like soups, dal, khichdi, or porridge instead of solids
• Keep them in a separate room to let them sleep soundly
• Washing hands repeatedly to prevent further infection in other family members

Viral infections in babies are very common, especially during season changes. Take all the preventive measures to avoid it and in case of any severity consult with your child’s pediatrician without further delay.

FAQ’s

1. How Long Does a Viral Infection Last in Babies?

Viral infections like the common cold and flu can last from several days to one or two weeks in babies depending on the strength of their immune system. You should constantly monitor the condition and inform the pediatric if it doesn’t improve.

2. What is the Difference Between a Viral Infection and a Bacterial Infection?

The main difference between viral infection and bacterial infection is that viral infections are caused by viruses whereas bacterial infections are caused by bacteria. Thus antibiotics can kill bacteria but will not prove effective for viruses.

3. Are Baby Viral Infections Contagious?

Yes, your baby’s viral infection is contagious and coming in contact with your baby without proper protection can infect you too. Usually, the initial 3 to 5 days of the infection are highly contagious when the illness remains at its peak.

Read Also: Cold in Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment