Introduction
A number of viral infections are common in children. Most childhood viral infections are not serious, and most children get better without treatment. Many viral infections are so distinctive that a doctor can diagnose them based on their symptoms. A doctor usually does not need to have a laboratory identify the specific virus involved.
Most viral infections result in fever and body aches or discomfort. Aspirin is not given to children or adolescents with these symptoms, because it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome in those who might have a viral infection; acetaminophen or ibuprofen is given instead. Viral infections range from mild (for example, a cold) to a life-threatening infection (for example, encephalitis). Generally, parents can discern if their child is ill with a potentially serious infection and needs immediate medical care. This is particularly true for children beyond infancy.
 See the sidebar What Is Reye's Syndrome?
 See the table Some Viral Infections at a Glance.
See the sidebar Enteroviral Infections: Common in Childhood.
See the sidebar What Is Kawasaki Syndrome?
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