Top 5 Kid’s Winter Viruses to Avoid

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Ahhh… the wintery cold is upon us and as we prepare to bundle up, our kid’s immune systems need a little forewarning on what to prep for. Breezy Mama turned to Dr. Zak Zarbock, pediatrician and Founder and President of Zarbee’s, for the top 5 common viruses of the season, their symptoms and how to help our babies avoid catching them.

From Dr. Zak Zarbock:

Pediatrics is very seasonal when it comes to dealing with viral infections. The winter months are notorious for an increase in viral illnesses with school back in session, colder temperatures keeping people inside, and dry winter air that tends to make the nasal passages more susceptible to infection. The five most common viruses this time of year include: Rhinovirus, RSV, Influenza, Parainfluenza, and Rotavirus.

Rhinovirus

There are several viruses that can be the cause of the common cold, but none is more prevalent than rhinovirus causing over 50% of colds in children and adults. It is thought that nearly 25 million people seek care related to upper respiratory infections every year, with young children average 6-10 colds predominantly during the winter season.

Typical symptoms of the rhinovirus may appear within one to two days of exposure and include runny nose, congestion, cough, fever, sore throat, and decreased appetite. The duration of symptoms in children may be as long as two weeks. The virus is spread by aerosolized secretions (i.e. coughing and sneezing), larger droplets, mucus, or even hand to hand contact.

The treatment of the rhinovirus is purely supportive, as there is no cure for the common cold. Fevers, while generally not harmful, can be improved with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Traditional over-the-counter cough and cold medicines have proven to be ineffective in treating symptoms. There is strong evidence that shows buckwheat honey is better for coughs than the drug based alternatives. Zarbee’s Children’s Cough Syrup is made with buckwheat honey and is safe for children 12 months and older.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV affects people of all ages, but more significantly in infants and young children. There are more than 120,000 hospitalizations every year in the United States for RSV related disease. RSV is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections in older children and adults, but the virus seems to cause the most problems in the lungs of the younger population resulting in bronchiolitis.

Those at highest risk for serious RSV infections include infants and young children, especially those who are born prematurely, have underlying lung or heart disease, or those with immune problems. RSV is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions or indirectly from contaminated surfaces. Presence in day care centers, living in crowded conditions, or being exposed to cigarette smoke are risk factors that increase the risk of contracting infection.

The symptoms may be as mild as runny nose, congestion and cough to a more severe lung infection with wheezing, deep cough, and increased work of breathing. Treatment usually involves supportive and symptomatic care. Supplemental oxygen and upper airway suctioning are standard treatment for babies with RSV bronchiolitis. There is currently no vaccine available, but there is an antibody preparation for those babies at increased risk. This may be used as a preventative measure for qualified young children with multiple risk factors.

Influenza

Influenza virus infections tend to cluster during the winter months as well. Flu symptoms range from mild runny nose and congestion with a low grade fever to much more severe cases with high fevers, shaking chills, severe cough, muscle aches, and lung involvement. Symptoms may also include headaches, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Treatment involves symptomatic care including pain and fever control and prevention of dehydration. There are prescription medications available which may help shorten the course of the illness if started within the first few days of symptoms, but they are not a cure. There have also been studies using elderberry (sambucus) which have shown a dramatic decrease in the length of an illness caused by influenza.

Influenza vaccine is available and targets the three expected infectious strains each year. While not always correctly predicted, the immunization will still provide some protection to whichever strain actually prevails. Injectable influenza vaccines are indicated for anyone over the age of six months who is not allergic to eggs. The nasal vaccination is a live virus vaccine, may cause mild symptoms, and is therefore indicated for patients over the age of two without a recent history of asthma.

Parainfluenza Virus

Croup is the most common result of an infection from the parainfluenza virus. It is a respiratory illness characterized by inspiratory stridor, cough and hoarseness. Younger children tend to have the classic barking cough that is much worse at night, while older children and adults may experience more hoarseness. These symptoms are the result of swelling just below the vocal cords. Most cases of croup are fairly mild; however significant breathing difficulty and airway obstruction may occur.

Like many other viruses, the parainfluenza virus is also spread by droplet and airborne secretions. It typically infects the nose or throat and spreads to the area around the vocal cords. The most common age for croup is from six months to three years, but may affect children as old as six years of age. Home treatment consists of a cool mist humidifier, breathing in the cold air outside or from a freezer, or possibly a steam shower. For moderate symptoms, the use of a steroid may be useful to decrease inflammation in the throat. A breathing treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) may also be indicated for significant breathing difficulty.

Avoidance of this virus again focuses on hand washing and avoiding unnecessary contact with the nose and mouth. Teaching proper hygiene and coughing into the elbow may also help keep young children from spreading the virus.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus causes a gastrointestinal illness and it affects nearly all children in the United States by the time they are three years old. It is spread by “fecal-oral” transmission, meaning that the virus is spread by not washing the hands and touching foods or surfaces. Rotavirus can live for a prolonged period of time on surfaces like plastic and metal and on objects such as toilet handles and sinks.

Symptoms of rotavirus usually begin two to four days after exposure. Vomiting occurs in about 75% of children and usually lasts a few days, as does a fever. Diarrhea is usually very watery and generally lasts five to six days, but can continue for much longer in some individuals, and may result in dehydration.
Treatment for rotavirus involves trying to keep children comfortable and hydrated. Hydration by mouth is the most effective way to prevent dehydration. For children who are able, a regular diet should be continued. Oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, should be given in small frequent sips to children who are vomiting or who are mildly dehydrated. Severely dehydrated children may need intravenous fluids. Regular diet should be restarted as soon as possible. Over the counter medications marketed to stop vomiting and diarrhea are not recommended.

Hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rotavirus. In recent years the incidence of significant infection and dehydration has plummeted with the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine is given orally and can be started at 2 months of age.

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ABOUT DR. ZAK ZARBOCK

Zak Zarbock, M.D. is one of the country’s top pediatricians and the Founder and President of Zarbee’s, the fastest-growing children’s cough and cold brand in the country.

As one of the nation’s leading experts on treating coughs and colds in children, Dr. Zak, as he is known, was invited to participate in the September 2010 FDA hearing on Capitol Hill and speak about the potential dangers of cough syrup. Dr. Zak is also a regular guest on TV and radio shows and serves as a resource for reporters writing stories about pediatric issues.

A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Zak practices medicine at Families First Pediatrics in South Jordan, Utah.

Zarbock completed his medical training at The Ohio State University College of Medicine after earning his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University. At Ohio State, he was honored for his outstanding pediatric research and academic achievements. He completed his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

Zarbock is married to his wife of 11 years and is the proud father of four boys between the ages of three and 11. In his spare time, Dr. Zarbock enjoys skiing, hiking, camping and spending time with his family.