2. Some viral illnesses that cause
more serious disease, such
as measles, are less common now due to
widespread immunization.
Most childhood viral infections
are not serious and include
such diverse illnesses as colds with a sore throat,
vomiting and diarrhea, and fever with a rash.
3. RESPIRATORY TRACT
INFECTIONS
Most respiratory virus infections in early
childhood are confined to the respiratory tract,
leading to symptoms of the common cold, with
coryza, cough, and hoarseness.
In some cases, symptoms and signs of otitis
media occur, such as earache, tenderness of
the tragus upon pressure, and a red bulging
tympanic membrane upon inspection.
4. ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
For influenza A and B viruses, the neuraminidase inhibitors
oseltamivir and zanamivir are licensed as antiviral drugs but
only for patients between the ages of 1 and 5 years,
respectively, and not for infants.
These drugs can be used for postexposure prophylaxis and the
treatment of influenza virus (IV) if they can be given within 48 h
after exposure or 36 h after first symptoms.
10. SIDE EFECTS
Some minor side effects of zanamivir and oseltamivir
include:
Diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting. This side effect tends to occur with
oseltamivir. Taking the medicine with food may reduce the risk.
Swelling of the sinuses (sinusitis).
A small number of people, especially children, have shown behavior
changes after taking oseltamivir or zanamivir.4, 5 These include:
Attempts to hurt themselves.
Confusion or delirium.
11.
12. ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
Ribavirin is an antiviral drug that is very effective against
RSV in vitro and is licensed for use by inhalation for
severe RSV bronchiolitis.
It is used also use with hepatitis C infection.
13. DOSAGE
TABLETS:
5 years or older:
In combination with peginterferon alfa-2a 180 mcg/1.73 m2 x
body surface area (BSA) subcutaneously once a week
(maximum dose: 180 mcg):
23 to 33 kg: 400 mg/day orally in 2 divided doses
34 to 46 kg: 600 mg/day orally in 2 divided doses
47 to 59 kg: 800 mg/day orally in 2 divided doses
60 to 74 kg: 1000 mg/day orally in 2 divided doses
75 kg or more: 1200 mg/day orally in 2 divided doses
14.
15. SIDE EFECTS
problems with vision;
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to
back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or
nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising
or bleeding, confusion, or unusual weakness.
16. ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
The anti-RSV antibody palivizumab, although
not technically an antiviral drug, reduces the
number of RSV cases requiring hospitalization
for at-risk infants by 55% if given
prophylactically.
17. DOSAGE
The recommended dose of Synagis is 15 mg per kg of body
weight given monthly by intramuscular injection.
The first dose of Synagis should be administered prior to
commencement of the RSV season and the remaining doses
should be administered monthly throughout the RSV season.
Children who develop an RSV infection should continue to
receive monthly doses throughout the RSV season. In the
northern hemisphere, the RSV season typically commences in
November and lasts through April, but it may begin earlier or
persist later in certain communities.
18. SIDE EFECT
high fever, ear pain or drainage, tugging at the ear;
warmth or swelling of the ear;
crying or fussiness, especially while lying down;
change in sleeping patterns;
poor feeding or loss of appetite;
easy bruising or bleeding; or
trouble breathing.
19. Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids,
Antibiotics, and Other Treatments
In the absence of effective antivirals for severe infant LRTI,
medical treatment is focused on drugs designed to overcome
airway obstruction and the resulting respiratory distress
20. AMPICILINE DOSAGE
IN CHILDREN
I.M., I.V.: 100-150 mg/kg/day in divided doses
every 6 hours (maximum: 2-4 g/day) .
Oral: 50-100 mg/kg/day in doses divided every
6 hours (maximum: 2-4 g/day) .
Severe infections/meningitis: I.M., I.V.: 200-400
mg/kg/day in divided doses every 6 hours
(maximum: 6-12 g/day)
22. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
Many viral infections result in fever and body
aches or discomfort. Doctors treat these
symptoms with paracetamol or ibuprofen
Aspirin is not given to children or adolescents
with these symptoms, because it increases the
risk of Reye's syndrome in those who have
certain viral infections.
23. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
Ibuprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It
works by stopping the body's production of a substance
that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Dosage for children is 5-10mg/Kg
24. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT
Paracetamol is approved for reducing fever in people of all ages.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that paracetamol
only be used to treat fever in children if their temperature is greater
than 38.5 °C
Dosage for children 10-15mg/Kg
26. HERPES INFECTIONS
IN CHILDHOOD
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common virus
that can cause cold sores and fever blisters,
gingivostomatitis (mouth ulcers), genital ulcers
and other skin infections. It can also cause
serious infections in newborns and encephalitis
29. OTHER INFECTIONS
There is no effective treatment for such a serious infection as
measles. However, some measures can be taken to protect
vulnerable individuals who have been exposed to the virus.
Post-exposure vaccination. Nonimmunized people, including infants, may
be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the
measles virus, to provide protection against the disease. If measles still
develops, the illness usually has milder symptoms and lasts for a shorter
time.
Immune serum globulin. Pregnant women, infants and people with
weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an
injection of proteins (antibodies) called immune serum globulin. When given
within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent
measles or make symptoms less severe.
