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Most acute1 respiratory infections in children are caused by viruses, and there are hundreds of different viruses that can cause these infections. These viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, influenza (otherwise known as ‘the flu’), COVID-19 and more. They are common in children, and some children may experience multiple illnesses each year.
Some common viruses that can cause respiratory infections include:
influenza virus
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus
adenovirus
human metapneumovirus
enterovirus
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
Symptoms of an acute respiratory infection
Common symptoms of acute respiratory infections can include:
coughing or sneezing
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
fever
facial or ear pain
red and/or watery eyes
muscle or body aches
tiredness
difficulty breathing
feeling generally unwell, and
vomiting and/or diarrhoea
How respiratory viruses are spread
Respiratory viruses can spread through tiny droplets or aerosols of an unwell person when they talk, cough or sneeze. These droplets may be breathed in by those nearby, which is a higher risk in crowded, enclosed spaces.
Viruses can spread when someone has direct contact with an unwell person. Some viruses can also be spread by indirect contact if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face.
What to do if your child has an acute respiratory infection
Most children with a viral acute respiratory infection will have a mild illness and can recover at home with rest and fluids. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Testing for the other viruses that cause acute respiratory infections, including influenza (the flu), is only recommended in discussion with a health professional who will provide you with a valid pathology referral. We recommend that you book an appointment with your GP who will provide you with tailored health advice and what to do.
Even if your child receives a negative COVID-19 test result, they should still stay home and minimise contact with people outside the home until they are feeling much better. This includes staying home from school and avoiding recreational events and community gatherings.
If you would like to seek medical advice about caring for your child, there are many ways you can do this:
call or book a telehealth appointment with your regular GP. Telehealth appointments can be via video or phone call while you are at home. You can also visit the HealthDirect website to find and book an appointment with a telehealth service
you can visit a free Walk-in Centre for a health assessment for your child. They’re open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 10pm and care for anyone over2 years of age, and you do not need an appointment. You can find your nearest Walk In Centre on the Canberra Health Services website
the COVID-19 clinic at the Garran Surge Centre is available for people who have tested positive to COVID-19 and need non-urgent care
call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. HealthDirect allows you to speak to a registered nurse for health information, available 24 hours a day
If you are worried about your child, including if they have any of the following features, you should seek immediate care from a hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000):
having trouble breathing
breathing very quickly
pale or difficult to wake
turning blue
How to prevent acute respiratory infections
The following steps should be taken to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses:
Staying home if you’re unwell
If your child is unwell, they should still stay home and minimise contact with others until they are feeling much better to prevent the spread of illness to others. They should do this even if they test negative to COVID-19.
Practising good respiratory hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene practices include:
washing your hands regularly for 20 to 30 seconds
using hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available (note hand sanitiser does not replace washing your hands after using the bathroom)
use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough into your elbow when you cough and sneeze
throw used tissues into a bin immediately and wash your hands
open a window or use air conditioning for good airflow in shared spaces if the weather allows
Wearing a mask
People aged 12 years and over are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask when entering public indoor settings or where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
Mask wearing for children under 12 is at the discretion of the child and their parent or caregiver.
For more information, visit the face masks page on the ACT Health COVID-19 website.
Staying up to date with vaccinations
Keeping your child up to date with vaccinations, including influenza and COVID-19, is the most important way to protect them against serious respiratory illnesses.
All children aged 6 months to 5 years are eligible for free influenza vaccination each year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over are also eligible for free influenza vaccination.
Some children are eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations depending on their age.
1An acute illness is used to describe an illness or disease process which comes on very quickly, is severe, or occurs over a short period of time (Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2020).
