Viral infections commonly cause respiratory and digestive illnesses. They are more common during the fall and winter seasons but are present all year round. These viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics and can often be managed at home.
The more common viruses are:
The following chart may help you manage your symptoms at home and help you understand when it is time to see a doctor.
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Understanding Viruses and How to Manage Them |
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Virus |
Common Symptoms |
Level of Infectivity |
Managing Your Symptoms at Home |
When to See a Doctor |
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Common Cold |
Stuffy nose
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Less contagious |
Drink plenty of fluids
Rest and reduce activities
Take pain medications: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or body aches
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often
Stay away from others to keep from infecting them
Wear a mask when around others |
Viral symptoms should be managed at home |
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Flu |
Body aches
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Contagious |
Difficulty breathing (gasping for air, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble taking a breath in)
Severe or worsening cough
Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
A fever that lasts more than 72 hours
You have underlying heath problems (like heart or lung disease) or take immunosuppressants
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COVID-19
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Body aches
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More contagious |
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus
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Runny nose |
Very Contagious |
Keep your child comfortable
Offer plenty of fluids
Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever
*DO NOT give over the counter cough and cold medicines for children under 6 years old
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Take your child to the emergency if: -your baby is under 3 months and has a fever - your child has trouble breathing - your child has lips that look blue - your child is no longer able to suck or drink
Take your child to see a doctor if your child: - has had a fever for more than 72 hours - is not eating or is vomiting - is not having wet diapers |
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Gastroenteritis in Adults
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Nausea |
Contagious |
Drink plenty of fluids You may not feel hungry (this is okay!) Rest and reduce activities Take Gravol for nausea/ vomiting Good handwashing |
You have a fever You have severe stomach pain You have blood in your stool/ diarrhea You are not unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours You are not urinating Your symptoms are not improving after 48 hours |
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Gastroenteritis in Babies or Children
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Nausea |
Contagious |
Keep your child comfortable Offer plenty of fluids Good handwashing
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Your child has a fever Your child seems tired or very irritable Your child is in a lot of discomfort or pain Your child has bloody diarrhea Your child seems dehydrated |
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease and Control (CDC)