Acute Viral Illnesses


Acute Viral Illness – Brief Introduction


An acute viral illness is caused by a virus that attacks suddenly and lasts usually days to a few weeks. Most of these illnesses are often resolved without specific medical treatment. Some of these acute viral illnesses may require supportive care or antiviral therapy.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Understanding Acute Viral Illness


An acute viral illness is a short-term disease triggered by a virus. The virus attacks suddenly and goes away in a few days to weeks.

What is it called acute viral illness ?


An illness is considered acute if it starts rapidly but lasts for a small duration like 2-3 weeks.

Most common viral infections that affect children are :-
  • Viruses that spread through respiratory droplets like influenza, rhinovirus, and flu.
  • Viruses that spread through the fecal-oral route: norovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A
  • Bloodborne viruses like hepatitis B or C
  • Virus spread by mosquitos like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the common causes for acute viral illness in children?


Acute viral infections are caused by viruses. These viruses attack the body and multiply rapidly, leading to a sudden onset of symptoms. The main causes of acute viral illness in children are :-
  • Contact with infected individuals. Examples of virus that spread through contact are e.g., enteroviruses, and adenoviruses
  • After the virus enters the body, it binds itself to the host cells and quickly replicates. The cells get damaged and trigger an immune response such as which causes fever, cough, or gastric upset.
  • Weak immunity due to malnutrition, HIV, or chronic disease
  • Poor hygienic surroundings where the child is growing up. The surroundings might be too crowded.
  • Unvaccinated children against preventable viruses can suffer from measles, mumps, and influenza.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the complications due to acute viral illnesses in children?


Complications due to acute viruses vary from mild to life-threatening. The effect of the virus depends on the type of the virus, the age of the child and their immunity levels. But one should note that most of these virus attacks heal by themselves but if proper care is not taken they can have serious outcomes. Though the complications vary here we are listing the most common complications of an acute viral illness in children:-

1. Respiratory Complications

  • Bronchiolitis: This is a respiratory syncytial virus (RSY) most common in infants. The child suffers from wheezing, and shortness of breath.
  • Pneumonia: Viral pneumonia is caused by viruses such as influenza, RSV, and adenovirus. Pneumonia is a serious condition and needs immediate medical treatment. It can also lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia.
  • Otitis Media: This is an ear infection which is the post effect of an upper respiratory tract infection caused due to influenza and RSV.

2. Neurological Complications

  • Febrile seizures: The seizures are caused due to high fevers which are common in neglected infections like influenza, roseola, enteroviruses.
  • Encephalitis: Effects the brain which can occur due to viruses like measles, and enteroviruses.
  • Meningitis: Occurs due to viral enterovirus; which is less serious than a bacterial but still requires medical management.

3. Gastric Complications

  • Severe dehydration: Due to vomiting and diarrhea that is common when the child is infected with rotavirus, or norovirus.
  • Electrolyte imbalances: Dehydration causes the loss of electrolytes that can lead to lethargy, and seizures.

4. Cardiac Complications

  • Myocarditis or pericarditis is caused by coxsackievirus, influenza, or adenovirus. This is a serious complication since the patient can experience arrhythmias or heart failures.

5. Hepatic Complications

  • Hepatitis: It is a common complication due to the viral effects of hepatitis A, B, C, and sometimes EBV or CMV. Complications are jaundice, liver enlargement, and liver issues.

6. Hematological Complications

  • Thrombocytopenia and bleeding are the complications due to dengue, and measles.
  • Hemolytic anemia: Occurs due to viral infections such as parvovirus B19 which is common in children suffering from sickle cell disease.

7. Dermatological and Skin-Related Complications

  • Secondary bacterial skin infections:- If the child had chickenpox or hand-foot-mouth disease then it leads to skin rashes, swelling, and infected lumps formation.
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A severe and a rare complication caused either due to the medications or by viral infections.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

When to take a child immediately the a doctor for viral illnesses?


During a viral attack the child should be monitored for symptoms. Always gain knowledge on how to manage the symptoms in a child and keep the necessary medication handy.
  • Infants and neonates need immediate medical care since they are a high risk group and if neglected can suffer from severe complications, such as sepsis.
  • Child with nutritional deficiencies experience severe symptoms due to poor immune system. In those cases also the child will do better with medical care.
  • If the child is unvaccinated children they are prone to virus infections such as measles, mumps, rubella. So if your child has not been vaccinated then please take them to the doctor.
  • Uncontrolled fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of consciousness and dizziness.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for acute virus illnesses?


Treatment for acute viral illnesses depends on the type of virus, the severity of the illness, and the patient’s overall health. In general, treatment focuses on:

1. Supportive Care for mild and moderate cases


The child should get the following at home care if their symptoms are mild and moderate. With supportive care the child will naturally recover and the body can fight the virus:
  • Rest and hydration helps prevent the side effects of dehydration and fever or vomiting.
  • Over the counter medications and pain relievers to reduce fever and reduce body aches and headaches
  • If the child has respiratory infections then cough suppressants and decongestants.
  • Nutrition rich diet if the child does not have gastric issues.

2. Medications


The virus specific medication can be administered if the particular virus can be detected via testing. But the specific medication should be started only after the doctor’s recommendation.

3. Immunotherapy


Immunotherapy is required when the viral infection is serious and if the child is in a high risk group.
  • Monoclonal antibodies are administered for infections such as COVID-19, RSV, and Ebola.
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for high infection cases of virus attacks.

4. Inpatient treatments


  • IV fluids if the child is severely dehydrated and is unable to take in food in both liquid and solid forms.
  • Oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be needed for respiratory illnesses.
  • The child’s vital organs such lungs,kidneys, heart, and liver are closely monitored.

5. Prevention


  • Age appropriate vaccinations must be given to the child to protect the child from acute viral illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, measles, and hepatitis A/B.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and treatment for acute viral illnesses, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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