Recently, we have encountered a new medical diagnosis, where no certainty or evidence is given, causing complete insecurity regarding treatment and at the end of the consultation. Known simply as a viral infection, any feverish condition accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting without an apparent cause—this is the diagnosis given by thousands of doctors without even conducting an exam.

In some cases, the diagnosis is made solely by listening to the symptoms reported by the patient. You leave the doctor’s office with a prescription for some medicines to be given, but the big question remains. After all, what is a viral infection?

A viral infection is caused by the presence of an undetermined virus that can settle in the respiratory or intestinal tract. They are usually benign and disappear after a few days. It usually takes 7 to 10 days for all symptoms to completely go away.

They can be detected through laboratory tests, which are generally not requested due to the delay in results that often comes after the symptoms have already subsided. For this reason, treatment is recommended as soon as symptoms begin, and caregivers are asked to bring the child back if symptoms do not disappear after 10 days.

These viruses usually circulate in places with low temperatures and a large number of people where air circulation is limited. Places with air conditioning are also environments with high viral proliferation, as a simple sneeze can transmit and spread the virus through the air in the entire space.

Remember that there is a large variety of viruses and not every type lodges in the same part of the body, nor do they all cause the same symptoms. That’s why, in some cases, fever comes along with nasal congestion, and in others, diarrhea accompanied by fever, or all symptoms may appear at the same time. If not treated as recommended, viral infections can become worse, especially those affecting the respiratory tract. They can progress to more serious diseases such as viral meningitis and pneumonia.

Types of Viral Infections and How to Prevent Them?

Viral infections can be contracted in several ways: by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, or through the air. Characteristically, the highest rates of infection are during the colder months. However, viral infections also occur in the summer, mainly from eating or drinking contaminated foods and beverages.

There is a long list of viruses responsible for viral infections during warmer seasons. Rotavirus, enterovirus, and norovirus are the main ones affecting the general population, especially children, who have lower immunity. Their main target is the gastrointestinal tract, where they attack the stomach directly and cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.

In colder periods, the most recurrent viruses are coronavirus, adenovirus, and the well-known influenza virus. They affect the respiratory tract and lungs directly, causing symptoms like throat and ear inflammation, nasal congestion, and cough.

Drinking unsafe water is one of the means of contamination

There are some essential precautions to reduce the chances of contamination with these viruses:

  • Wash vegetables, fruits, and greens thoroughly before consumption
  • Drink only filtered, mineral, or otherwise trustworthy water
  • Avoid places with large crowds
  • Avoid places with air conditioning
  • Drink plenty of fluids to keep the body well hydrated

For younger babies, breastfeeding with breast milk is essential for prevention and receiving antibodies, strengthening the immune system to avoid infection. The home should always be aired out and the rooms kept ventilated.

Another very important recommendation is not to go to the emergency room unnecessarily, or better yet, only seek immediate medical attention when it is truly necessary. Hospitals have a large number of viruses circulating in the air, and what might not have been so serious can end up infecting a child who already has low immunity due to a cold or some other minor illness.

See also: Symptoms of Dehydration in Children and Babies

Photos: Alpha, Julien Harneis