There are many different types of viruses that can affect the breathing passages and cause respiratory illnesses such as a cold or flu-like illness. Auslink Medical Centre provides Bulk Billed services to all children under the age of sixteen.
Common Respiratory Viruses
Some of the common respiratory viruses include:
- influenza virus -especially Influenza A and B
- respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)
- parainfluenza virus
- adenovirus
- rhinovirus
- human metapneumovirus
- enterovirus.
- Covid 19 virus
Transmission of Viral Respiratory Infections
Viral respiratory infections are spread when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes small droplets containing infectious agents into the air. The droplets in the air may be breathed in by those nearby. The viruses are also spread by direct contact with a sick person or indirect contact with hands, tissues or other articles soiled by nose and throat discharges.
Enterovirus and adenovirus infections are also spread through contamination of hands or objects with infected faeces.
Symptoms of Viral Respiratory Infections
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the particular virus causing the illness. Most respiratory viruses cause cold-like symptoms or flu-like illnesses. Symptoms of the common cold typically include stuffy and runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, mild cough, achy muscles and bones, headaches, low-grade fever, watery discharge from the nose that thickens and turns yellow or green, mild tiredness. In babies you may see trouble sleeping, fussiness, congestion in the nose, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and fever.
Complications of Viral Respiratory Infections
Sometimes illness can result in complications. Types of complications depend on the particular virus but may include:
- pneumonia (lung infection or inflammation)
- bronchiolitis (inflammation of small air passages in the lungs)
- croup
- sinusitis
- meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Testing for Viral Respiratory Infections
Laboratory tests are not always necessary; however, the infection can be confirmed by laboratory testing of mucus from the back of the nose or throat. Auslink Medical Centre is able to provide Bulk Billed swab tests including Covid 19, Influenzas A and B, Bacterial infection during the consultation.
The number of confirmed cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Victoria has been increasing, particularly in children and adolescents. Auslink Medical Centre is also able to provide Mycoplasma infection PCR test.
The infectious period varies widely and depends on the specific virus. However, usually viral respiratory infections are usually most contagious during the first few days of symptoms. In some cases, people with an infection can shed (or release) the virus (and so remain infectious) for some time after they have recovered from the infection.
Treatment for Viral Respiratory Infections
No specific treatment is required for mild viral respiratory infections. For healthy people, the common cold is usually not serious and does not need special treatment. Even if you have green nasal secretions, you do not need an antibiotic. Children should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. You can buy saline nasal sprays or drops over the counter without a prescription, and you can suction the mucus from your child’s nose with a rubber suction bulb. A cool mist humidifier in the room can help relieve congestion in infants and young children. Don’t share drinking glasses and utensils with someone who is sick. Remember to stay away from smoke which can make the irritation in the nose and throat worse. Paracetamol may be used for relief of symptoms but must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Nurofen is not suitable for some kids who are having gastroenteritis symptoms due to risks of GIT bleeding.
Antiviral medication may be used for severe or prolonged viral respiratory infections such as influenza virus infection. Antibiotics do not help even though they are often prescribed. But Prednisolone is often prescribed for viral Croup and flare up of Asthma.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms or have any of the following:
- worsening symptoms
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- confusion
- inability to keep liquids down because of vomiting
- symptoms of dehydration (such as being dizzy when standing or passing much less urine than normal).
Preventing Viral Respiratory Infections
Viral respiratory infections can be prevented by the following measures:
- If unwell with a viral respiratory infection, try to stay away from childcare, preschool, school and work until well.
- Wash hands as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing and after contact with nose and throat discharges or articles soiled by these. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover a cough or sneeze with tissue or arm. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands afterwards.
- Wipe down all often touched surfaces regularly with a cleaning cloth dampened with detergent, or with a large alcohol wipe.
- Avoid sharing cups, glasses and eating utensils with people who have respiratory infections.
- Flu vaccine is often provided in Auslink Medical free of charge if eligible.
Services Offered at Auslink Medical Centre
Auslink Medical Centre offers high stand of bulk billed medical services to all ages of children up to 16 years old, including:
- Covid PCR
- Respiratory viral PCR
- Childhood immunisations
- Flu vaccinations.
- Bulk billed consultations
- Asthma/Allergy action plans
- General health check ups