Incubation period of ARVI in children: what is the duration

The main signs of a cold are familiar to everyone, since this disease occurs very often among people of all ages.

At the same time, only a few know that the virus enters the body much earlier than the first symptoms appear in the form of cough, runny nose or fever.

It is this time interval that is called the “incubation period of influenza and ARVI.” It is worth considering this phenomenon in more detail.

What is its duration?

It is quite difficult to say exactly how long the incubation period of ARVI lasts.

The number of days that will pass from the moment the virus enters the body until signs of a cold appear may depend on a large number of factors: age, the patient’s immunity status, the presence of chronic diseases, and so on.

On average, the duration of the incubation period for ARVI ranges from two hours to 5 days. At the same time, people with good immunity can simply be carriers of the virus, but not get sick. Their body will get rid of the pathogen before it has time to begin its negative effects.

In addition, the duration of the incubation period of acute respiratory infection in both adults and children depends on the type of pathogen. ARVI is usually divided into several subtypes: influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus and others.

Flu

The incubation period of the influenza virus may vary depending on its type. On average, the time required for the pathogen ranges from 2 to 48 hours. Much less often, this period increases to 3 days.

Although in this case, how many days will pass from the moment of infection until the initial symptoms appear depends on the type of the disease itself.

For example, during bird flu, the virus could develop in the body for a week without showing any symptoms at all.

Parainfluenza

This disease usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx. The virus itself has low viability and quickly dies in the external environment, so parainfluenza is transmitted only as a result of prolonged contact with an infected person.

The incubation period in this case ranges from 2-6 days.

Adenovirus infection

Adenoviruses in most cases affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, bladder, intestines and lymphoid tissue.

With ARVI of this type, the average duration of the incubation period is 1-5 days, but in exceptional cases the period can increase up to 14 days. One of the many factors that contribute to an increase in the incubation period is the strong human immune system.

Rhinovirus infection

Rhinoviruses infect the mucous membranes of the nose. They have a low level of stability in environmental conditions and quickly die at high temperatures, as well as under the influence of acids and disinfectants.

Infection occurs as a result of contact with the secretions of a sick person: directly or through sharing things. The incubation period for acute respiratory infections of this type is 1-5 days. At the same time, there is a certain pattern: in the elderly and people with good immunity it is longer, and a small child will get sick much faster.

Respiratory syncytial infection

This subtype of ARVI in adults and children is not as widespread as all the others. It is not characterized by the appearance of high temperature and signs of intoxication of the body. The main symptoms of the disease: severe pain when swallowing and runny nose.

The incubation period of this disease ranges from 2-7 days.

Conclusion

So, from all of the above, we can conclude that the time before the main symptoms of colds appear primarily depends on what virus caused them.

And despite the fact that at this moment a person may completely lack signs of a cold, he is already a carrier of the virus and, without knowing it, infects others.

Therefore, it is very important to follow all possible preventive measures, especially during off-season epidemics.

Source: https://stoporvi.ru/zabolevaniya/orz/inkubacionnyj-period-orvi.html

Incubation period of ARVI: duration and features

ARVI is a viral disease that forms in the body when the resistance of the immune response decreases. ARVI pathogens constantly mutate, so lymphocytes do not remember them. After the virus enters the body, symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately; an incubation period must pass. It is characterized by the spread of the virus throughout the circulatory system and organs.

Incubation period of influenza and ARVI

ARVI is caused by hundreds of viruses that constantly mutate. They can be identified using laboratory methods that reveal their genetic material. Each pathogen is different from the other, exhibiting different symptoms. The incubation period of ARVI depends on its type:

• flu – 2-3 days;
• parainfluenza – up to 5 days;
• adenovirus – 5-7 days;
• rhinovirus - 3-4 days.

The incubation period is characterized by pathogens entering the mucous membrane and penetrating into the blood vessels. It spreads through the blood, penetrates lymphatic barriers, organs and tissues. Once the virus is detected by the immune system, clinical manifestations begin.

ARVI in children is characterized by a shorter incubation period. Their immunity is not sufficiently developed, so clinical manifestations can occur within a few hours after the pathogen enters the circulatory system.

If the virus has already appeared in the body, the incubation period is extended to 7 days. Viruses rarely appear in breastfed infants. Immunoglobulins pass through mother's milk and prevent infection.

Subtypes of ARVI

The incubation period depends on the type of virus that has entered the human body. From the moment of infection, the patient can transmit the pathogen to another person. There are influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus. These are the main groups that are most common among people.

The period of infectivity ends after the complete disappearance of the pathogenic microorganism. Viruses may settle on mucous membranes and remain in the latent phase. If the resistance of the immune system decreases, it becomes more active.

Flu

The pathogen is characterized by severe symptoms and the appearance of intoxication. The condition develops rapidly. In children, clinical manifestations may appear several hours after infection. The incubation period for ARVI in adults is formed within 2-3 days.

The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• increase in body temperature from low-grade to high;
• cooling of the upper and lower extremities, trembling;
• weakness throughout the body;
• the appearance of body aches and joint pain;
• dizziness, headache, photophobia;
• rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa), accompanied by a profuse runny nose (forms immediately after infection or a few days after the onset of clinical symptoms).

The source of the virus is an infected person. The pathogen is easily transmitted through the air and through household items. Microorganisms continue to be active for 1 week after contact with any surface. Manifestations of clinical symptoms persist for 3 days. After this, the temperature should drop. The stage of influence of the immune system on the pathogen begins.

Important! The patient is contagious from the moment the virus enters his body.

Parainfluenza

After the pathogen enters the body, the incubation period for acute respiratory infections occurs after approximately 5 days. It may appear earlier if the immune system has not previously encountered the microorganism. The disease does not always manifest itself; the virus can penetrate without clinical symptoms.

When a microorganism gets on surfaces and household items, it is instantly destroyed. Easily disinfected using disinfection measures and heat treatment. Clinical manifestations occur gradually. The virus penetrates through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract into the blood. The following symptoms appear:

• pain and swelling in the throat;
• rise in body temperature by no more than 38.5 degrees;
• rhinitis with small nasal discharge of a clear or cloudy color (if an infectious agent is attached, it turns green);
• the appearance of a dry cough that makes breathing difficult.

Adenovirus infection

The pathogen rarely appears in the population. Children get sick more often because their immunity is not strong enough. Therefore, the appearance of clinical symptoms occurs later than during the incubation period for influenza and ARVI. The clinical picture appears after 5-7 days:

• the occurrence of inflammatory conditions of the upper respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the eyes, and gastrointestinal tract;
• acute onset of the disease with a sharp rise in temperature;
• cough, rhinitis appears, mucous membranes swell;
• if the pathogen spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, dyspeptic symptoms occur (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea);
• regional lymph nodes are enlarged in volume and can be easily palpated;
• a possible complication of a bacterial infection of the tonsils.

The doctor will prescribe medications against adenovirus. If the patient self-medicates, a bacterial infection may occur that will spread to the lungs, brain, sinuses, conjunctival sac, and bladder.

The disease is transmitted from a carrier or household items on which the virus is located. It lasts for a long time on surfaces and in water at room temperature. To prevent infection, items must be thoroughly disinfected.

Rhinovirus infection

Most often it appears precisely because of the penetration of this pathogen. Clinical symptoms in adults appear after 3-4 days. The incubation period for ARVI in children may be shortened, and symptoms may appear several hours after infection.

The virus penetrates the nasal mucosa, where the inflammatory and edematous process begins. Clinical symptoms appear:

• dry cough;
• subfebrile body temperature (often it remains normal);
• redness of the eyes, tearing;
• elimination of painful symptoms within 1 week, rhinitis may persist longer.

ARVI stages

From the penetration of a viral agent into the body to complete recovery, several stages pass.

1. Infection from a sick person. Therefore, it is important to know how ARVI is transmitted. Pathogenic microorganisms spread throughout the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. Uncomfortable sensations appear, and sneezing may occur. This is a kind of protection of the body from a foreign object. An incubation period occurs when clinical manifestations have not yet appeared, but the person is contagious.
2. Formation of clinical symptoms with fever, coughing, sneezing, swelling and inflammation. Possible complications in the form of a bacterial infection.
3. Mucus secretion. A runny nose and coughing up sputum appears. This is a defensive reaction with which the body tries to remove the viral agent.
4. Cure. A decrease in body temperature most often occurs with viruses on the third day. A longer lasting fever is possible. A runny nose and cough may persist for several weeks after the virus has disappeared from the blood.

Complications after an acute respiratory viral infection

• A viral disease, if left untreated, can be complicated by a bacterial infection.
• 
• It applies to the following organs:

• kidneys (pyelonephritis);
• Gastrointestinal tract with the formation of dyspeptic disorders;
• tonsils (tonsillitis);
• brain;
• ears (purulent otitis).

The clear discharge becomes greenish or yellow. There is a need to take antibacterial agents, which should be prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment and prevention

To treat viral diseases, the following measures are taken:

• drink plenty of fluids to quickly remove the pathogen and its toxins from the body;
• use of antiviral agents;
• use of antipyretic drugs when the temperature rises above 38.5 degrees;
• eating food rich in vitamins and microelements;
• Irrigation of the throat and nasal mucous membranes with rinsing solutions and antiseptics.

To prevent infection with viral agents, it is important to know how to avoid getting the flu during ARVI. To do this, the following measures must be taken:

• avoid crowded places;
• often walk in the fresh air;
• eat healthy food rich in vitamins and microelements;
• harden up by visiting the pool, walking barefoot at home;
• periodic visits to the doctor, medical examination.

People constantly get sick with viral diseases, as their prevalence is high. The patient becomes infectious after the incubation period appears. At this time he should not contact other people. It is important to consult a doctor in time to carry out complex therapy for the disease.

1. on this topic:
2. Symptoms and treatment of ARVI in adults
3. Review of popular drugs for adults
4. Features of the course of the disease during pregnancy

Source: http://www.medware.ru/lor/inkubatsionnyj-period-orvi.html

Incubation period of influenza: features and duration

In the autumn-winter period, an epidemic of influenza, ARVI, and colds begins. And, unfortunately, statistics point to discouraging facts: every year the number of patients who experience severe complications and unpleasant consequences increases.

The main danger of these ailments is that they do not appear immediately, so they may not be noticed at the initial stage and the right moment to begin treatment may be missed. For this reason, you need to know how long the incubation period of the flu lasts. It would seem like such a small nuance, but what unpleasant problems can it save in the future?

How does the flu manifest?

Before considering what the incubation period of influenza is and its duration, it is worth finding out how this disease manifests itself. Typically, the duration of development of this disease depends on the type of virus that infected the body - rhinovirus, adenovirus, reovirus.

If a person has been infected by the influenza virus, this can be determined by the presence of the following symptoms:

• increased body temperature;
• runny nose;
• signs of soreness;
• manifestation of cough;
• swelling of the mucous membranes.

It is worth noting! Influenza and subtypes of this disease, as well as acute respiratory viral infections, are transmitted by airborne droplets. For this reason, it is necessary to take into account that the danger of infection from a carrier of infection persists for as long as the virus is able to remain viable.

However, in addition to the above signs, other equally important symptoms of influenza must be taken into account when diagnosing:

• nasal congestion;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• intense heat throughout the body;
• redness and severe tearing of the eyes;
• pain in muscles and joints.

In acute respiratory infections, damage to the upper respiratory tract is usually observed. However, it can easily be confused with ARVI, because these ailments are accompanied by similar symptoms. However, influenza is characterized by an incubation period, this is due to the fact that the disease is viral in nature. But for acute respiratory infections, time for “maturation” is not required.

Duration

To prevent serious complications, you need to know what the incubation period is for the flu. At this time, viruses are on the surface of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat; they do not penetrate deep structures (blood, internal organs). But its danger lies in the fact that at the initial stage the disease does not manifest itself in any way and can simply not be noticed.

Typically, the incubation period for influenza is 1-3 days. In people with a strong immune system, it increases to 1 week. The duration of the incubation period is also influenced by the type of acute respiratory viral infection and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

The incubation period for influenza is dangerous because during it it is impossible to determine whether a person is sick or not. At this time, he does not show symptoms and there is no deterioration in his health. Even if he had contact with someone infected with influenza, this does not mean that infection has occurred.

Note! The only way to determine influenza during the incubation period is through laboratory tests. For these purposes, they donate blood or take discharge from the nasal cavity for testing. This will reveal the presence of influenza infection in the absence of main symptoms.

It is worth considering that the influenza virus is contagious during the incubation period and can be transmitted by airborne droplets. If it is possible to detect the presence of an illness, then the patient must be isolated from others for a while. It is advisable to immediately begin medical therapy that can stop the spread of infection to internal organs.

Development of the disease

As stated above, the incubation period of influenza ranges from 1 to 7 days. Sometimes it can last 10 days; this is observed in patients with a strong immune system. At this time, the disease usually does not manifest itself in any way, so many do not even know about the infection.

When the influenza virus enters the body, it remains on the surface of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract - the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, trachea. During the incubation period, viral organisms practically do not reach the surface of the bronchi; they develop on the mucous membrane.

If a person’s immunity is weakened and the protective properties fail, then the viruses begin to actively multiply. In favorable environments, warm and humid, bacteria spread quickly and affect large areas of tissue. And during reproduction, a person does not notice certain changes and deterioration.

Despite the fact that the incubation period for influenza does not manifest itself in any way, suspicious changes can still be detected after 1-2 days.

24-48 hours after the virus enters the body, it begins to actively spread, as a result it is released from the body along with mucus.

In the subsequent period, the infected cells decay, all this leads to high levels of toxins entering the blood.

It is intoxication of the body that causes the initial signs of influenza:

1. Temperature increase.
2. Weakness.
3. Malaise.
4. Pain in the abdomen.
5. Nausea.
6. Vomit.
7. Diarrhea.

The third day of incubation is considered the most dangerous, when manifestations of the disease are not yet observed, but mucus with viruses is intensely secreted. During this time, sneezing and coughing can release particles of infection into the air. For this reason, it is difficult to determine whether a person is contagious on the first day, but on the third day he becomes a spreader of the infection.

The incubation period of influenza depends on many factors, so it is difficult to predict the exact period for all patients, and even more so it will not be possible to determine how many days a patient is contagious. But still, doctors claim that a patient can infect other people after 1-2 days of IP.

Features in children

The incubation period for influenza in children lasts several days longer than in adults. If in adults it can average 1-2 days, then in children it can be 3-5 days.

The danger is that the disease does not manifest itself in any way at this time, and the child can:

1. Feel great.
2. Eat with gusto.
3. To be in a good mood.
4. Move actively.

Even attentive parents from the outside will not be able to determine that their child is infected. However, the end of the incubation period can be abrupt. Sometimes 30-40 minutes are enough for the child to show the first signs of illness. During this period, children experience the following conditions:

• deterioration of condition;
• weakness;
• malaise;
• body heat, increased temperature.

Important! The incubation period of ARVI in children under one year of age is often immediate, namely, the symptoms develop quickly and quite clearly. But babies who are breastfed have antibodies in their bodies. They can extend the incubation period, and sometimes even prevent the onset of the disease.

But still, children under 3 years of age have a rather weak immune system. It is for this reason that not a single doctor will be able to accurately answer how long the incubation period for influenza in children lasts. It progresses differently for each child. But compared to adults, it is much more difficult for a child’s body to fight viral diseases.

Flu is a dangerous disease, so you definitely need to know how many days the incubation period lasts. This will help to detect the disease in a timely manner and prevent unpleasant consequences.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, you must regularly visit a doctor and undergo the necessary tests.

Interesting video

Source: https://prostuda.org/voprosy-o-grippe/inkubacionnyy-period-grippa

Acute respiratory viral infection

Many people are accustomed to thinking that the flu is not an acute respiratory viral infection. Such people say that the flu is a serious disease, and ARVI is a cold, “a trifle.”

In fact, ARVI is the general name for a group of diseases that includes influenza infection.

A feature of influenza in comparison with other causative agents of colds is its ability to cause epidemics, as well as a sharp and often severe course of the infectious process. However, the incubation period of influenza and ARVI, as well as their prevention measures, treatment and possible complications, are similar.

ARVI stages

How long does an ARVI episode last in adults and children? To answer this question, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the picture of the development of colds:

1. Infection with a virus is the moment when a pathogen enters a human cell. The entry point for infection is the upper respiratory tract. Usually the virus penetrates the epithelial cell of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Almost always, not one, but many viruses enter the body at the same time. The likelihood of infection depends on the number of immune molecules in the sputum of the respiratory tract, the degree of hydration of the mucous membrane and the state of the immune system as a whole.
2. The incubation period (IP) of ARVI is the period of time between the moment of infection and the appearance of the first symptoms of a cold. Its duration depends on the body's resistance. If the immune system is weakened, cold symptoms appear within a few hours. It is believed that the maximum duration of the incubation period is 10 days. It usually lasts 2-3 days. The duration of IP is also influenced by the number of viruses entering the respiratory tract.
3. The acute phase begins when the number of viral particles reaches such a quantity that the immune system can no longer hide their influence. At this time, the body includes many defense mechanisms - the production of a large amount of sputum in the respiratory tract, an increase in body temperature (usually up to 37-38 degrees, but with the flu it can reach 40 degrees), cough. The entry of the virus into the bloodstream causes intoxication (poisoning), which manifests itself as headache, muscle aches, chills and hyperthermia. The duration of the acute phase is 2-3 days. It is during this period that the patient poses an epidemiological threat, since in the acute phase saliva and sputum contain a large number of viral particles.
4. At the end of the acute phase, the patient feels much better. The temperature returns to normal, headache and muscle pain no longer bother me. Symptoms such as runny nose and cough continue for about a week. Together with phlegm, the body gets rid of dead epithelial cells. If the water balance is disturbed, sputum can thicken and accumulate in the respiratory tract. This promotes the proliferation of bacteria and the addition of a secondary infection.
5. With appropriate treatment of a runny nose and cough, a person quickly returns to normal. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, the recovery period is delayed. In this case, it is recommended to visit a doctor.

Thus, the duration of ARVI is about 7 days. With colds in adults, the symptoms of intoxication are often mild - the temperature is normal (or low-grade), the head and muscles ache slightly. As a result, many suffer from ARVI “on their feet” - they continue to go to work and use public transport.

This is what leads to an increase in the number of sick people, because a person with a cold is in any case a spreader of viruses, even if the disease is mild.

More about the incubation period

It is usually said that the duration of the latent period of a cold is 2-3 days. Often these figures are not based on any epidemiological data.

However, in 2009, an extensive study was conducted in the United States on the incubation period of acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children (Justin Lessler et al. Incubation periods of acute respiratory viral infections: a systematic review.

Lancet Infect Dis. 2009). The following results were obtained during the study:

• the average duration of IP adenoviral infection is 5-6 days;
• human coronavirus causes the first symptoms within 2-3 days;
• severe acute coronavirus manifests itself on the very first day;
• IP for influenza type A can last from 1 to 4 days;
• The PI for influenza type B is also 1-4 days;
• respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) manifests itself on the 4th day of illness in 95% of cases;
• parainfluenza remains in a latent stage for 2 to 6 days;
• Rhinoviruses may not cause any symptoms for 9 days, or they may cause a runny nose on the first day.

Why know the duration of the incubation period?

So, we have seen how long the latent stage of the disease can last. Indeed, on average its duration is 3-4 days. How can we use this?

For example, knowing the duration of the incubation period for ARVI will help in the fight against a cold in a child. So, if several people in a class or kindergarten group have a cold, you can begin active treatment measures.

It is known that treatment of viral infections makes sense only before and during the acute phase, and during IP it is most effective.

If, 6 days after contact with a sick person, you feel normal, you probably have not become infected - you can rest easy.

Is it possible to detect a cold at an early stage?

Thus, the incubation period is a latent stage of the disease. We never know for sure at what point we became infected. However, we can know at what point we communicated with a person with a cold. After contact with sick people, it is recommended to wash your hands and nasal passages.

You should do the same when using public transport, the toilet, etc. During epidemics, you can take prophylactic antiviral drugs. Try not to get too cold, drink plenty of water, and consume enough vitamins and nutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates).

All this increases susceptibility to infections.

• Read more
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Source: https://pakpred.ru/bolezni/orvi/inkubacionnyj-period.html

How long is the incubation period of ARVI in children?

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children occur in approximately 75% of all childhood diseases. Upper respiratory tract infections (acute respiratory infection (ARI), acute respiratory diseases (ARI), ARVI) are a group of acute infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract of various localization, etiology and symptoms.

ARVI is the most common infection on the globe. It is impossible to fully take into account the true incidence. Almost every person experiences ARVI several times (from 4-8 to 15 times or more) a year, mainly in the form of mild and subclinical forms. ARVI is especially common in young children.

Children in the first months of life rarely get sick because they are in relative isolation and many of them retain passive immunity received from the mother transplacentally in the form of IgG for 6-10 months. However, children in the first months of life can also suffer from ARVI, especially if they are in close contact with sick people.

The reasons for this may be weak transplacental immunity or its complete absence, prematurity, primary forms of immunodeficiency, etc.

ICD-10 code J00-J06 Acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract

Epidemiology of ARVI

According to statistics, a child can get sick from 1 to 8 times a year. This is due to the fact that the immunity developed in a child’s body against one virus is powerless against another infection. And there are hundreds of viruses that cause ARVI.

These are influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, enteroviruses and other microorganisms.

And since parents often have to deal with ARVI, they should know as much as possible about this disease, the mechanisms of its development and methods of combating viral infection in childhood.

The highest incidence occurs in children from 2 to 5 years of age, which is usually associated with their visits to child care institutions and a significant increase in the number of contacts.

The decrease in incidence is explained by the acquisition of specific immunity as a result of acute respiratory viral infections.

Such a high incidence of ARVI in childhood makes this problem one of the most pressing in pediatrics. Repeated diseases significantly affect the development of the child.

They lead to a weakening of the body's defenses, contribute to the formation of chronic foci of infection, cause allergization, interfere with preventive vaccinations, aggravate the premorbid background and delay the physical and psychomotor development of children.

In many cases, frequent acute respiratory viral infections are pathogenetically associated with asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pyelonephritis, polyarthritis, chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and many other diseases.

Causes of ARVI in children

Factors contributing to the development of ARVI follow the child everywhere. These reasons include:

• hypothermia, drafts, wet shoes;
• communication with other children with ARVI;
• sudden changes in weather, off-season (autumn-winter, winter-spring);
• decrease in the body's defenses;
• hypovitaminosis, anemia, weakened body;
• decreased physical activity of the child, physical inactivity;
• improper hardening of the body.

All these are factors that weaken the body and contribute to the unhindered spread of the virus.

The reasons for frequent ARVI in children are the high sensitivity of the child’s body at any age, including a newborn baby. A child's frequent acute respiratory viral infections begin from the moment he enters a nursery, kindergarten or school.

The penetration of a new virus into the body provokes a new disease, even if a short amount of time has passed since the previous one.

How long does ARVI last in a child?

How long can a baby be contagious and how long does ARVI last in a child?

As a rule, the more time has passed since the first symptoms appeared, the less likely it is that the child is contagious.

The period of time when a sick person is able to infect others usually begins from the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease or simultaneously with them.

In some cases, the baby may still look “healthy” outwardly, but the disease process may already have begun. This depends on many factors, including the strength of the child’s immunity.

The initial moment of the incubation period (when the virus has already penetrated the child’s body, but the disease has not yet manifested itself “in all its glory”) is considered to be the moment of communication with an already infectious patient.

Such a moment could be contact with a sick child in kindergarten, or an accidentally caught “sneeze” on a trolleybus.

The final stage of the incubation period ends with the appearance of the first signs of the disease (when complaints appear).

Laboratory tests can already indicate the presence of the virus in the body during the incubation period.

The period during which a child is contagious can begin 1-2 days before the first signs of the disease appear.

How long does ARVI last in a child? If you count from the moment the first symptoms appear, the period of illness can last up to 10 days (on average a week). Moreover, depending on the type of virus, the child may continue to remain infectious for another 3 weeks after recovery (disappearance of symptoms).

Symptoms of ARVI in children

Whatever type of virus is caused by ARVI, the classic form of the disease presents some common symptoms:

• “general infectious” syndrome (the child is shivering, there may be pain in the muscles, in the head, there is weakness, the temperature rises, the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged);
• damage to the respiratory system (nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough or with sputum production);
• damage to the mucous membranes (soreness and redness in the eye area, lacrimation, conjunctivitis).

The first signs of ARVI in a child are often characterized by a sudden onset with a clearly defined “general infectious” syndrome. With parainfluenza or adenovirus, the first signs are damage to the respiratory system (throat, nasopharynx), as well as redness and itching of the conjunctiva of the eye.

Of course, it would be easier for both parents and doctors if the course of ARVI in children was always classic. However, a child’s body is a very complex system, and its response to the penetration of a particular virus cannot be predicted one hundred percent. Each organism is individual, so the course of ARVI can be subtle, asymptomatic, atypical, or even extremely severe.

Since parents are unlikely to be able to guess and predict the course of the disease, it is necessary to know about conditions in which you will have to consult a doctor in the most urgent manner.

Symptoms of ARVI in children that require urgent medical attention:

• Temperature readings have exceeded 38°C and have little or no response to antipyretic medications.
• The child's consciousness is impaired, he is confused, indifferent, and may faint.
• The child complains of a severe headache, as well as the inability to turn his neck or bend forward.
• Spider veins and rashes appear on the skin.
• Chest pain appears, the child begins to choke, it is difficult for him to breathe.
• Multi-colored sputum appears (green, brown or pink).
• Swelling appears on the body.
• Convulsions appear.

You should not self-medicate, especially when it comes to your child. Also pay attention to the baby’s other organs and systems so as not to miss the onset of inflammation.

Temperature during ARVI in children

Children are quite sensitive to increases in body temperature: excessively high temperatures contribute to the appearance of seizures in a child. Because of this, the temperature should not be allowed to rise above 38-38.5°C.

There is no need to bring the temperature down to 38°C, since there is no need to interfere with the body doing its job - fighting the penetration of the virus. This may cause complications. What to do:

• do not panic;
• Monitor the child’s condition - usually after 3-4 days the temperature should stabilize.

Prolonged acute respiratory viral infection in a child with a persistent temperature may indicate the addition of a bacterial infection. It also happens that the temperature readings dropped after a viral infection, the baby seemed to be on the mend, but after a few days he became worse again and developed a fever. In such a situation, you should not hesitate to call a doctor.

In the classic course of ARVI, the temperature can last no more than 2-3 days, maximum five days. During this time, the body must overcome the virus by developing its own antibodies to it. Important: you should not deliberately lower the temperature to normal; you can only lower it so that the body continues to fight the infection.

Cough due to ARVI in children

Cough during ARVI in children is a fairly common symptom. It is usually present against a background of fever, runny nose and other signs of illness. With the onset of the disease, a dry cough (without sputum production) is observed. Doctors call this cough unproductive: it is difficult for the child to tolerate, can disturb the peace of his sleep, and negatively affect his appetite.

In the classic course of ARVI, after 3-4 days the cough enters the productive stage - sputum appears. But it should be borne in mind that not all children know how to cough it up. For this reason, the child needs help: regular chest massage, light exercises, and in case of a coughing attack, the baby should be placed in an upright position.

As a rule, cough during viral infections lasts up to 15-20 days, but if its duration exceeds three weeks, then a chronic cough can be suspected. In such cases, competent consultation with a pediatric pulmonologist and allergist, as well as the prescription of complex therapy, is simply necessary.

Vomiting in a child with ARVI

Vomiting in a child with ARVI can occur simultaneously with the appearance of high fever and cough. Sputum that is difficult to clear, dense and viscous, irritates the respiratory system and provokes bouts of painful coughing in the child.

The gag reflex is triggered as a result of the transition of the excitatory signal from the cough centers to the vomiting centers. In some cases, vomiting may occur due to the accumulation of a large amount of mucous secretions in the nasopharynx, but in this case, vomiting occurs without coughing.

Most often, vomiting due to coughing is not profuse and does not bring visible relief to the baby.

It is important to distinguish when vomiting is associated with the simultaneous excitation of the cough and gag reflex, and when vomiting may be a sign of poisoning or a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is imperative to show the child to the doctor, otherwise this may provoke the appearance of unwanted and sometimes serious complications.

Rash due to ARVI in a child

If a rash appears due to ARVI in a child, this is a direct reason to consult a doctor. There are several possible reasons for the appearance of rashes during illness:

• intolerance to any of the medications taken by the baby;
• allergic reaction to foods that parents usually give to a sick child (raspberries, oranges, lemons, garlic, ginger, etc.);
• high temperature, which increases vascular permeability - in such cases, the rash resembles hemorrhages of various sizes on the skin.

There are also more serious causes of the rash. For example, this is the addition of a meningococcal infection: such a rash is usually accompanied by hyperthermia and vomiting.

In any of the options, if a rash is detected on the child’s body, all measures should be taken to deliver the baby to the infectious diseases department as soon as possible.

You can simply call an ambulance and describe the symptoms of the disease. In this case, you cannot hesitate.

Stomach pain due to ARVI in a child

Quite often, parents are faced with a situation where their child has a stomach ache due to ARVI. The pain is most often colicky and localized in the projection area of ​​the large intestine.

Doctors can explain this symptom as a combined reaction of the lymphatic system of the intestine and appendix. For the same reason, ARVI can be complicated by an attack of acute appendicitis.

In such a situation, the most competent action of parents may be to call a doctor at home, and if the pain in the tummy area increases, then they will have to call the emergency room.

However, most often diarrhea and abdominal pain are provoked by medications that the child is forced to take.

For example, if a baby is prescribed antibiotics or antiviral drugs, this can gradually lead to disruption of the intestinal microflora, or may manifest itself as a hypersensitivity reaction of the digestive system to certain types of medications. In one case or another, consultation with a doctor is mandatory.

Conjunctivitis due to ARVI in a child

Unfortunately, conjunctivitis during ARVI in a child occurs in almost all cases of the disease, especially when attacked by an adenoviral infection. Signs of conjunctivitis become noticeable immediately.

Initially, the viral infection that provokes ARVI affects one eye, but after 1-2 days the other eye is also affected. Both eyes of the child become red, itchy, and there is a feeling of “sand” in the eyes. The baby squints, rubs his eyelids, and cries constantly.

The eyes may become crusty, and light discharge may collect in the corners.

This conjunctivitis gradually goes away on its own as the child recovers from ARVI. However, special children's medicines - antiviral eye ointment or drops, which can be easily purchased at pharmacies, can help alleviate the baby's condition and eliminate itching and discharge from the eyes more quickly.

True, in some cases, conjunctivitis can be the result of an allergic reaction in a child. In this condition, the baby not only develops watery eyes and redness of the eyes, but also the lower eyelids become swollen.

It is typical that allergies affect both eyes at the same time.

If this happens, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary, identification and elimination of contact with a potential allergen, and prescription of antihistamine eye drops and medications.

Features of the course of ARVI in children

Children at different ages may react differently to the appearance of signs of ARVI.

• ARVI in an infant can manifest itself with symptoms such as restlessness of the baby, poor sleep, loss of appetite; defecation disorder, excessive tearfulness and moodiness. Such changes in the behavior of an infant should arouse suspicion in the mother, since the infant cannot explain his well-being in words.
• ARVI in a one-month-old baby can occur with difficulty in nasal breathing, since the baby does not yet know how to breathe through the mouth. How to suspect that a child has a stuffy nose? The baby becomes restless when sucking, often refuses to eat and pushes away the breast or bottle. In such cases, you should definitely clean the baby’s nasal passages.
• ARVI in a 2-month-old child can typically manifest itself as shortness of breath with prolonged wheezing exhalation - this sign is often called asthmatic syndrome. In this case, symptoms of intoxication are expressed: gray or bluish skin, lethargy, apathy, fever.
• ARVI in a 3-month-old child often occurs with damage to the respiratory system, which, with unqualified help, can be complicated by bronchitis or pneumonia. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the child’s difficulty in swallowing and nasal breathing and regularly measure the temperature. It is extremely undesirable to stop breastfeeding during this period, since mother’s milk in this case will be the best medicine for the baby.
• ARVI in a 4-month-old child is accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and bronchi, which manifests itself in the form of a runny nose and cough. You can observe an increase in the submandibular or parotid lymph nodes and spleen. Conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis often develop, which is expressed in redness of the eyes and continuous lacrimation.

Source: https://gripp.pokyer.ru/skolko-dlitsja-inkubacionnyj-period-orvi-u-detej/

Incubation period of ARVI and how to recognize it

Acute respiratory viral diseases are considered the most common infections. They account for more than a third of all infectious diseases, so it is not surprising that every person is familiar with them.

Children of preschool and school age most often suffer from ARVI, being the main spreaders of the viral infection. ARVI is less common in adults, but in the presence of chronic diseases, complications are more common.

Accordingly, the mortality rate from this increases.

ARVIs occupy a leading place in the structure of childhood morbidity worldwide

The symptoms are basically the same and are expressed by fever, headache, weakness, and loss of appetite. They are often accompanied by a runny nose and many types of throat diseases. And sinusitis and even pneumonia can occur as complications.

Mechanism of transmission of viral infection

The main mechanism of transmission of the disease is airborne. You can become infected through direct oral contact or through microdroplets of sputum from a patient’s cough or sneeze. In addition to this method of infection, pathogens can be transmitted by contact. This happens when shaking hands or using utensils.

This happens because not everyone washes their hands after using a handkerchief or when coughing. Accordingly, particles of sputum fall on the hands of the patient, who transfers them to another person upon contact.

When swimming in indoor pools, you also need to be careful, because you can often become infected with adenoviruses there, especially during periods of increased morbidity.

Viruses are transmitted either through direct oral contact or through microdroplets of saliva

Incubation period of ARVI

The incubation period of a cold can last from 1 to 10 days. But most often it is 3-5 days. Everything will depend on the characteristics of the disease and the human body.

At this time, he will be a contagious carrier of the infection and at the same time not feel it at all. The general condition does not differ from normal, the temperature does not increase.

Therefore, the infected person continues to attend work, school, and public places, spreading the viral infection.

Some may notice increased fatigue, headaches, or a sore throat. But all this is attributed to lack of sleep and being too busy at work, which is why you feel weak. But since the temperature remains normal, thoughts of a cold do not come to mind.

Features of the incubation period in children

The incubation period of ARVI in children is shorter than in adults. Therefore, it can be 1-3 days. But it happens that an acute respiratory virus can generally last for several hours. This is due to the higher susceptibility of the child’s body. Infections penetrate faster and adapt better, starting to multiply in a favorable environment.

Adenoviral infections have a longer period, which can last up to 7 days. Sometimes incubation increases to 11 days.

At this time, the child becomes lethargic, gets tired quickly, refuses to eat, and loses his activity. Using these clues, you can calculate that the incubation period for acute respiratory infections has begun and begin to act, supporting the body.

For doctors, ARVI and influenza are completely different diseases, but for us they mean poor health and bed rest

What does the incubation period depend on?

First of all, it depends on the immune system. The stronger it is, the longer the incubation period for ARVI will last. This also determines how the disease will progress in the future. When the immune system is weak, more viruses can enter the body. Therefore, the time it takes for the virus to spread in the body is significantly reduced.

This period depends on the severity of the infection. After all, some are quite weak and can hide for a long time. But there are those that have too strong an effect on the body, contributing to its rapid intoxication. Therefore, it is reduced to several hours.

It should be borne in mind that heavy stress on the body, lack of sleep and poor nutrition can also cause a weakening of the immune system. Then the cold's incubation period will shorten and the disease may become more complex. In addition, it is important to remember that an infected person remains infectious even at this time.

How to find out about the incubation period

It is not always possible to find out about the onset of infection even if you know how long the incubation period of ARVI lasts. But sometimes it is quite possible to calculate this moment. During infection, the infectious virus may give some symptoms:

• extreme fatigue
• headache,
• lacrimation,
• loss of appetite,
• apathy,
• drowsiness.

If you were previously an active person and this is completely unusual for you in your usual life, then such symptoms will help you identify a cold. Therefore, you should not be a hero and rush to work. It is better to stay at home for a couple of days and try to weaken the virus.

The average adult gets sick with ARVI 1-3 times a year, a preschool child up to 8-12 times a year

Is it possible to help the body?

At this time, the body not only can, but also needs to be helped. This approach will significantly weaken the virus, give the immune system time to fight harder, and may eliminate the disease altogether.

One of the simplest, ineffective methods is to take antiviral drugs. They will increase the activity of the immune system, which will give strength to overcome the virus much faster. Vitamin complexes strengthen the body well. It is better to choose exactly those that are needed during this period.

During the incubation period of influenza and ARVI, you can do without medications. It is enough to replenish the body with plenty of drink, steam your feet with the addition of mustard, or brew herbal tea. Suitable herbs:

• chamomile,
• Melissa,
• Linden,
• rose hip.

They help relieve inflammation and reduce the symptoms of colds. And rose hips are generally rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for colds.

To boost your immunity, you need to include these foods in your diet.

How to protect yourself from colds

It is possible to avoid contagion and stay healthy. To achieve this, preventative measures can be taken. Vaccination is considered the most effective. With it, a weakened virus is introduced into the body, which helps the immune system recognize it and develop resistance. Therefore, meeting him again, the immune system will have experience and antibodies.

Taking antiviral medications is also good. But it is not always possible to accurately catch the beginning of the incubation period, when the virus just begins to multiply. Some people don’t even pay attention to the symptoms that appear, which does not strengthen the immune system and can lead to complications during the illness.

During periods of increased incidence, you can limit visiting large crowds of people. You can start prevention in the warm season by doing hardening.

Taking vitamins and minerals in winter will help the body tolerate infections more easily and add vigor. Do not forget about your health, because its absence will interfere with the normal flow of life, adding problems.

So do not forget that treatment for ARVI must be correct and timely.

Source: https://proinfekcii.ru/virusnye/orvi/inkubatsionnyj-period-orvi.html