Viral illnesses

A fact sheet about signs and symptoms of viruses in children.

A virus is a germ that causes infections such as the common cold, bronchiolitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, influenza, mumps and chickenpox. There are hundreds of different viruses.

Colds are very common in healthy children and on average, preschool children get at least six colds per year. It is common for healthy children to have up to 12 viral illnesses per year in the first few years of life. It is also common for children to get sick from one virus shortly after getting better from a different one, so it can seem they are sick all the time. As children get older, the frequency of catching viral illnesses usually reduces.

Viruses can easily spread when children have close contact with each other. Most viruses are mild, and the best treatment is to rest at home.