Viral Infections in Childhood

Viruses are submicroscopic infectious agents that invade and destroy the body cells. A number of viral infections are common in children. Because most childhood viral infections aren't usually serious and most children with a viral infection get better without treatment, a doctor usually doesn't need to have a laboratory identify the specific virus involved. Some infections are so distinctive that a doctor can diagnose them based on their symptoms.

The main viral infections covered in this section at a glance:

	Common Cold Kawasaki Syndrome Hepatitis Measles (rubeola) Viral Pneumonia Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Coxsackie Croup Chickenpox (varicella) Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease) Polio Bronchiolitis Mumps Progressive Rubella Panencephalitis Reyes Syndrome Mononucleosis German measles (rubella) Meningitis Roseola infantum

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. Intelihealth.com, Children's Health Section: http://www.intelihealth.com/