Discover
[Podcast] Common childhood viruses
In this podcast, I’m joined by Bupa GP, Dr Samantha Wild, to discuss common childhood viruses.
Find out why children pick up so many viruses, how to manage them and when to seek medical advice. We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on general immunity and if the vaccination programme will extend to children.
Common childhood viruses [podcast]
Why children pick up so many viruses | Podcast | Listen in 18:31 minutes
In this podcast, Bupa GP, Dr Samantha Wild, to discuss common childhood viruses. Find out why children pick up so many viruses and illnesses during childhood, how to manage them and when to seek medical advice. They also discuss how the pandemic has affected general immunity, and whether the vaccination programme will extend to children.
Key points from the podcast conversation
Overview
- In the first few years of life, catching viruses is the best way for your child to build a strong and healthy immune system.
- The average school-aged child can get three to eight colds a year, and two to three bouts of viral gastroenteritis a year. This number will drop as they get older and their immunity builds.
When to seek medical advice
- Use your parental instincts as a mum, dad or carer when it comes to your child’s health. If you simply feel they aren’t right, seek advice.
- If your child has a very high fever, are floppy or sleepy, or are having difficulty breathing always get medical advice.
- Use your judgement when to contact your GP surgery, call 111 (good to use outside of surgery hours) or 999 (emergencies only).
Temperatures (fever) in children
- A temperature is your body’s way of fighting off an infection. A normal temperature is around 36.4 degrees. A high temperature is anything over 38 degrees. Keep your child well hydrated and offer paracetamol (Calpol) if they need it.
- Get medical advice if your baby (under three months old) has a temperature above 38 degrees, or over 39 degrees in a child between three and six months. For older children, seek advice if their temperature isn’t settling, or they’re also drowsy, confused or have fast or laboured breathing.
Viral rashes
- Viral rashes are very common in young children. They usually appear as pink or red spots on the chest and back area. They often appear symmetrically (rather than on one side of the body).
- See a doctor about a rash if it’s causing pain or doesn’t fade when pressed – use a clear glass to test for this. This can be a sign of meningitis.
Coughs in children
- Coughs in children are common because mucus from colds trickles down the back of your child’s throat. If your child is otherwise healthy, there’s nothing to be concerned about. A cough is a natural function to help clear the chest and throat.
- If a cough lasts for more than three weeks, or your child has a very high temperature or difficulty breathing with it, contact your GP.
- If your child’s cough is brought on by running around, contact your GP. This might be a sign of asthma.
- If your child develops croup, don’t use steam. Sit your child upright, keep them as calm and relaxed as possible, and seek medical attention if they’re struggling to breathe. Some children may need to go to the hospital immediately. They will most likely receive a single dose of a steroid medicine, which is usually very effective.
The pandemic and immunity in children
- Because of the pandemic, many children may not have picked up as many childhood illnesses. But this is unlikely to be an issue for their long-term immunity and health. As we ease out of lockdown and mix with others, the usual bugs will start to circulate again.
- Children are offered the flu vaccination every year because immunity drops over time and flu viruses are constantly changing (new strains). The flu vaccine has been around for years. It’s very safe and effective.
- Currently, the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine isn’t offered to children, but this is under review and may change over time.
We now offer GP appointments for children aged between 1 and 18. Find out more about our Under 18 GP Service, call us on 0330 822 3072.
About our health information
At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family. This is because we believe that trustworthy information is essential in helping you make better decisions about your health and wellbeing.
Our information has been awarded the PIF TICK for trustworthy health information. It also follows the principles of the The Information Standard.
Did you find our advice helpful?
We’d love to hear what you think. Our short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to keep improving our healthy lifestyle articles.
Legal disclaimer
This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals and deemed accurate on the date of review. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
Any information about a treatment or procedure is generic, and does not necessarily describe that treatment or procedure as delivered by Bupa or its associated providers.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.
