Viral Infections

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• QWhat is rotavirus?

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  A St Francis Medical Center answered

  Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe, watery diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach pain. It's one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children and can spread like wildfire. Called rotavirus because under the microscope the virus looks like a wheel, the disease is common during the winter in schools and daycare centers.

  Rotavirus is easily spread, especially among young children who don't always wash their hands after using the bathroom or before eating. Vaccination is an important line of defense.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.

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• QWhat infections should not be treated with antibiotics?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Viral infections that should not be treated with antibiotics include:

  • colds
  • flu
  • most coughs and bronchitis
  • sore throats (except for those resulting from strep throat)
  • some ear infections

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• QHow can I treat sinus pain caused by a viral infection?

  1 Answer

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  For children and adults, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms of viral infections. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children younger than certain ages.

  For sinus pain/pressure:

  • Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure.
  • Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.
  • Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.
  • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever (check what is safe to give your child).
• QHow can I treat ear pain caused by a viral infection?

  1 Answer

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  For children and adults, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms of viral infections. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children younger than certain ages.

  For ear pain:

  • Put a warm moist cloth over the ear that hurts.
  • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever (check what is safe to give your child).
• QWhat over-the-counter (OTC) medications help treat viral infections?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  For children and adults, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, decongestants and saline nasal sprays may help relieve some symptoms of viral infections. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children younger than certain ages. Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches, but they do not shorten the length of time you or your child is sick.

• QIf I'm pregnant, how can I reduce my risk of getting Cytomegalovirus?

  1 Answer

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Pregnant women may want to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to CMV and so reduce the risk of CMV infection of their fetus.

  Here are a few simple steps you can take to avoid exposure to saliva and urine that might contain CMV:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, feeding a young child, wiping a young child’s nose or drool and handling children’s toys.
  • Do not share food, drinks or eating utensils used by young children 
  • Do not put a child’s pacifier in your mouth
  • Do not share a toothbrush with a young child
  • Avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child
  • Clean toys, countertops and other surfaces that come into contact with children’s urine or saliva

   

• QWhat are the symptoms of encephalitis?

  2 Answers

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  A Jumo Health answered

  Signs and symptoms of encephalitis include feeling very sleepy and confused. People with encephalitis may get so confused that they might not be able to recognize their family members. They may also have headaches.

  People with infectious encephalitis might have a fever. Some people might also have seizures. Seizures are when there are too many electrical messages from the brain and the body starts shaking.

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• QHow should I care for someone with encephalitis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  When caring for someone with encephalitis, remember to offer both emotional and physical support. Encephalitis can cause pain and muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform daily activities. A person with severe encephalitis may experience confusion and memory loss and will need lots of emotional support, understanding and encouragement. You should also know what symptoms may signal a change for the worse, like seizures, loss of consciousness, severe headache or sudden mental impairment (depression, withdrawal from daily life, lack of judgment, for example). It may help to attend doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions with the person. Encephalitis may be life threatening, and dealing with the disease could be stressful.

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• QHow do medications treat encephalitis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Serious cases of viral encephalitis are often treated with antiviral drugs, but some cases do not respond to these medications. Antibiotics are used to treat cases caused by bacterial infections. Drugs are also used to boost the immune system in HIV related cases. Symptoms of encephalitis, such as pain, fever and seizures, may be treated using medications.

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• QHow is encephalitis diagnosed?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Encephalitis may be diagnosed using a variety of methods. A spinal tap is a common procedure used to diagnose encephalitis. A needle is used to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds the brain and spine). The fluid is then tested for an elevation in the number of white blood cells or evidence of antibodies to the virus. Brain imaging is another method used to diagnose encephalitis. This method can detect swelling of the brain by using computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

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