Did you know that children can catch up to eight respiratory infections each year, most of them caused by viruses? These diseases are, of course, a part of life, but making sense of the common infections responsible for such diseases – how they affect your child's health – makes quite a difference in helping prevent complications and enabling your child to recover more quickly. This article aims to highlight the most common viruses responsible for acute viral respiratory infections in children. 

Overview 

Acute viral respiratory infections are those annoying illnesses that hit your child’s respiratory tract – their nose, throat, and lungs. Here are the usual symptoms you might see:¹

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Sore throat

In more serious cases, your child might have:

• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Need for hospitalisation

That’s why it’s so important to know about the viruses that cause these infections and what you can do to help your child recover quickly.

Common viruses responsible for respiratory infections

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

One of the biggest culprits behind respiratory infections in young children is Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. It’s especially known for causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants under one year old.²

Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

In more severe cases, RSV can lead to:

• Severe respiratory distress
• Hospitalisation, especially for infants and young children

Seasonality and risk factors

• When? RSV is most common during the fall and winter months
• Who’s at risk? Infants, especially those under six months, children with heart or lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems

Prevention and management

• Prevention tips: Wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and clean surfaces often
• For high-risk infants: There’s a medication called palivizumab that can help prevent severe RSV

Influenza virus (Flu)

The flu is another major cause of respiratory illness in children. It’s not just a bad cold-it can lead to serious complications, particularly in young kids and those with other health issues.³

Symptoms

• High fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Sometimes nausea or diarrhoea

Complications can include:

• Pneumonia
• Sinus infections
• Worsening of chronic conditions like asthma

Seasonality and risk factors

• When? The flu peaks during the winter months
• Who’s at risk? Children under five, especially those under two, are more likely to develop complications

Prevention and management

• Best prevention: Annual flu vaccine for everyone over six months old
• Other tips: Early treatment with antiviral medications and following good hygiene practices

Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus is the main cause of the common cold. It’s usually mild but can still be quite a nuisance, especially if it keeps coming back.⁴

Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild fever
• Runny or stuffy nose

While usually mild, rhinovirus can trigger asthma attacks in kids with asthma.

Seasonality and risk factors

• When? Rhinovirus can strike at any time, but it’s more common in the fall and spring
• Who’s at risk? Everyone, but it spreads easily through touching surfaces or the air

Prevention and management

• Prevention tips: Regular handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and keeping surfaces clean
• Management: Over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms like congestion and fever

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs)

Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) cause a range of respiratory illnesses, from mild colds to more severe conditions like croup, which is a type of respiratory illness that leads to a distinctive barking cough.⁵

Symptoms

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• In cases of croup: Barking cough, hoarseness

HPIVs can also lead to more serious issues like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, particularly in very young children or those with weak immune systems.

Seasonality and risk factors

• When? Different types of HPIVs peak in different seasons (spring and fall are common times)
• Who’s at risk? Young children and those with compromised immune systems

Prevention and management

• Prevention tips: Good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people, and keeping hands clean
• Management: Supportive care, like keeping your child hydrated, comfortable, and using medications to reduce fever and ease breathing

Impact on children's health and healthcare systems

Long-term effects

Long-term effects can include chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, especially if your child has had repeated serious infections.

Recurrent infections can also impact your child’s development if they are frequently sick or missing school.

Economic and social impact

• For families: The cost of doctor visits, medications, and potential hospital stays can add up. Plus, parents may need to take time off work to care for their sick children
• For society: These frequent infections can strain healthcare resources and lead to increased healthcare spending

Summary

In general, be aware of the most common viruses causing respiratory infections in children: RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, and HPIVs. This way, you can be aware of early symptoms and thus be able to act toward your child appropriately. Recall that some of these diseases have a seasonal pattern; thus, being knowledgeable and prepared will keep your child healthy.

Your most valuable tools as a parent or caregiver in preparedness are basic cleanliness, vaccines, and the ability to recognise symptoms so you can take action sooner rather than later. The better you stay on top of these infections, the less frequently and seriously your child will get sick, which translates to healthier and happier days for all.