Enterovirus infection in a child: treatment, symptoms, prevention

Children in the first years of life are still immature immunity, and the children's body is not able to withstand various diseases. Also affects the irresistible interest in everything unknown and the desire to touch everything. Despite the fact that the baby observes all the rules of personal hygiene and takes multivitamins, he is still prone to various kinds of infections. One of them is enterovirus infection in a child whose treatment should be started with a doctor. This will help diagnose possible complications and start fighting them in time.

Enterovirus infection is a group of acute infectious diseases, united among themselves. These viruses are caused by viruses belonging to the Coxsackie family and ECHO. Viruses are capable of a long period of living in the external environment (dishes, grass, clothes) and affect, as a rule, children older than two years. The incubation period after ingestion lasts approximately 24 hours, then the specific symptoms of the disease begin to appear.

Symptoms of enterovirus infection

Common signs for all forms of the disease are as follows:

• Wave-like increase in temperature from 37,5 ºС to 40 ºС.

• Increased fatigue, general weakness, dizziness.

• Due to general intoxication, headaches may occur.

• Capriciousness, irritability, tearfulness.

• Enlargement of lymph nodes. Their mobility and soreness are felt.

• Redness and soreness of the throat.

• Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing.

• Swelling and redness of skin areas (face, hands, chest).

• Decreased appetite.

• Weak stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.

• Frequent and thin stool with mucus.

• Pain in the muscles, a feeling of aches in the joints.

Enterovirus infection in a child: treatment

Usually, this infection is treated at home. However, if symptoms of damage to the nervous system, liver, heart, severe angina and high temperature are found, hospitalization is necessary. The doctor will examine the patient, put the correct diagnosis and give recommendations, than to treat enterovirus infection. They should be strictly observed. This will ease the symptoms of the disease and accelerate recovery.

If an enterovirus infection in a child is detected, treatment includes the following:

1. Antiviral drugs from the group of interferons.

2. Antipyretic drugs, as a rule, is ibuprofen, which stops the inflammatory process and is a good analgesic for muscle and bone pain. Paracetamol is also used for this purpose.

3. Antiseptic agents for the oral cavity (any herbal or synthetic sprays or resorption tablets).

4. Vasoconstrictor sprays or nasal drops.

5. Enzymes for digestion.

6. Adsorbents that will eliminate flatulence and weaken the symptoms of intoxication.

7. Bed rest for the entire period of the disease.

Diet with enterovirus infection

In addition to the use of medicines, it is recommended that the principles of child nutrition be reviewed.

The diet assumes the following conditions:

• Exclude from the diet products that enhance intestinal peristalsis (fresh vegetables and fruits, black bread, fatty foods);

• Abandon the use of dairy products;

• It is desirable that the food is in a grinded form, steamed or boiled;

• Meals should be frequent and small portions;

• Abundant vitaminized drink in the form of compotes, fruit drinks, natural juices.

Prevention of disease

To prevent such a dangerous disease, as an enterovirus infection in a child, treatment is best prevented by prevention.

Preventive methods include:

1. Isolation of sick children.

2. Thorough hand washing using antibacterial agents.

3. Frequent room ventilation and regular wet cleaning.

4. Refuse to use untreated tap water and from swimming in ponds with standing water.