Virology, Emerging Diseases & vaccines

Pediatric Viral Infectious Diseases

Infections caused by viruses are universal during childhood and adolescence. Clinicians will regularly care for children and adolescents who present with infections caused by a wide number of viral pathogens. These infections have varied presentations. Many infections may have clinical presentations that are specific to the infecting virus but present differently, based on the age and immunocompetence of the patient. Some children are directly impacted early in their lives when maternal disease results in an in utero infection (cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, or parvovirus B19). Other viruses may infect children in a predictable pattern as they grow older (rhinovirus or influenza virus)can lead to complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation. Enteroviruses, including hand, foot, and mouth disease, are another group of viruses that commonly affect children. These viruses cause mild illnesses characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and rashes on the hands and feet, but in some cases, they can lead to more severe complications, such as viral meningitis or paralysis. Pediatric viral infections require careful management, and many of these diseases are prevented or mitigated through vaccination. Vaccines have been key in reducing the incidence of viral diseases in children, providing immunity against conditions such as measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. In cases where vaccines are not available or effective, antiviral medications may be used to treat certain viral infections, though supportive care—such as fluids, fever management, and rest—is often the primary treatment.