Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Respiratory Infection (Viral)
Many different viruses may cause colds and viral respiratory illnesses with fever. These illnesses are very common during fall and winter months. Infants and young children who experience common respiratory infections and are also exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke are at increased risk of developing bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and middle ear infections.
Cause
Many different viruses.
Symptoms
Include runny nose, sneezing, chills, tiredness, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and cough which may last two to seven days.
Spread
Viruses are spread from person-to-person by touching the secretions from the nose and mouth of an infected person and by touching the hands, tissues, or other items soiled with nose and mouth secretions from an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Incubation
It may take up to10 days after exposure for symptoms to start.
Contagious Period
Shortly before symptoms begin through the duration of acute symptoms. This may last from 5 to 8 days.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until fever is gone and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has a high fever or persistent sore throat or cough.
Treatment
These are viral illnesses; therefore, antibiotics will not be effective.
Do not give aspirin or salicylate-containing medications to any child or adolescent under 18 years of age.
Prevention/Control
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
- DO NOT share cups, glasses, or eating utensils.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces (doorknobs, refrigerator handle, water faucets, cupboard handles) at least daily. Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled. Clean and sanitize all dishes and silverware after each use.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Respiratory Infection Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Respiratory Infection
Many different viruses can cause respiratory infections (or colds) with fevers.
If you think your child has a Respiratory Infection:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until fever is gone and the child is healthy enough for routine activities.
- Child Care and School:
DO NOT give aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to anyone under 18 years of age.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a runny nose, chills, muscle aches, and a sore throat. Your child may sneeze and cough and be more tired than usual. Check your child for a fever. Symptoms last about 7 days.
If your child is infected, it may take up to 10 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By sneezing or coughing.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
Contagious Period
Shortly before and while your child has symptoms.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If your child has a high fever or a sore throat or a cough that does not go away.
Antibiotics do not work for illnesses caused by a virus, including colds and respiratory infections.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with the secretions from the mouth or nose. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- DO NOT share drink containers and cups or silverware. Wash all dishes with hot soapy water between uses.
- Clean and disinfect anything that comes in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills bacteria and viruses.
- DO NOT expose your child to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoke increases the risk for serious respiratory infections and middle ear infections.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.