How Long Does A Viral Infection Last In A Child

A viral fever refers to any fever that results from a viral infection such as the flu or dengue fever.

How long does a viral infection last in a child. Some viral infections may resolve within a few days whereas others may last longer. Children with good immunity may also sometimes suffer from viral fever for 8 10 days when there is a new virus in the air to which they have never been exposed and therefore do not have immunity. In most types of viral infection the immune system clears the virus from the body within days to a few weeks. How long do viral infections last.

It is common for children to have up to 12 viral infections a year in the first few years of life and it can seem like they are sick all the time. In children with weaker immunity viral fever may last longer and last persist for 8 10 days. Viral infections are common among people of all ages but often seem to be concentrated in infants and children. Most viral fevers in kids last through 3 to 4 days.

Common types of viral infections include. There is usually a time lag of a few days between getting infected by the virus and the appearance of the symptoms. While most viral fevers resolve on their own within a day or two some are more severe and. A viral infection in a kid can last for a couple of weeks even though he may make a recovery within a few days.

No one wants their child to be sick but keep in mind that exposure to different illnesses and infections will over time help to strengthen the child s immune system. However some exceptions are fevers from influenza or mononucleosis which can take about 10 days time to go. Antibiotics will not help treat viral illnesses. How long does viral fever last.

Viruses such as hiv stay forever in the body and continue to cause problems while herpes viruses may remain inactive in the body and often reactivate and cause disease. If or more realistically when your child contracts the common cold virus for example all you can do is treat the symptoms. Most childhood viral infections are not serious and include such diverse illnesses as colds sore throat vomiting and diarrhea and fever with a rash. The best treatment is rest at home.

A cough may linger on for quite some time. The type of virus and your child s immunity may determine how often and how long the viral infections last. If your child does not improve after 48 hours or their symptoms get worse see your gp.