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Acute respiratory infections in children

Most acute respiratory infections in children are caused by viruses, and there are many viruses that cause these infections.

These viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, influenza (the flu), COVID-19 and more. They are common in children, and some children have several respiratory infections in a year.

Acute illness means an illness or disease process which comes on very quickly, is severe, or occurs over a short period of time.

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.

When you should call triple zero (000)

Go to a hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000) if your child is:

  • having trouble breathing
  • breathing very quickly
  • difficult to wake or can’t stay awake
  • pale or turning blue.

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
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea.

How respiratory viruses are spread

Respiratory viruses can spread through tiny droplets from an unwell person when they breathe out, talk, cough or sneeze.

Viruses spread more easily in crowds or inside a building. Droplets can be breathed in by people who stand close to or touch someone who is unwell.

Respiratory viruses can also be spread if a person touches a surface with virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

What to do if your child has an acute respiratory infection

Keep sick children with mild respiratory illness at home. Let them rest and give plenty of fluids. When they are feeling much better, they can return to school or childcare.

If you are worried about your sick child, take them to the GP or your local health centre. Remember – viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.

COVID-19 symptoms

If your child has a fever, or other symptoms of COVID-19 you can use a rapid antigen test (RAT) to test for this virus. Go to the ACT COVID-19 website for information on:

A PCR test for COVID-19, or testing for the other viruses that cause acute respiratory infections, like influenza (the flu) or RSV will need a valid pathology form. We recommend that you book an appointment with your GP who will provide you with tailored health advice and what to do.

If your child is negative for COVID-19, they should still stay home and not mix with people outside the home until they are feeling much better. This includes staying home from school or childcare and other events like weddings, sporting activities and parties.

How to get medical advice

If you would like to get 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 if they are over 2 years of age. They’re open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 10pm and you do not need an appointment. You can find your nearest Walk-In Centre on the Canberra Health Services website.
  • Call HealthDirect and speak to a registered nurse for health information, available 24 hours a day.

How to stop the spread of 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.

Clean your hands often

  • Washing your hands regularly for 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available (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.

Good respiratory practices

  • 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.

Physical distancing

Stay at least 1.5 metres away from people who have respiratory symptoms.

Let the air in and use outdoor areas

Open a window or use air conditioning for good airflow inside - if the weather allows. Meet visitors in outdoor areas and keep your distance.

Wear a mask

Wearing a face mask can help protect you and those around you.

For more information, visit the face masks page on the ACT COVID-19 website.

Stay 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.

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.

The National Immunisation Program provides routine childhood immunisations recommended for all children in Australia, free of charge.

Find out more about influenza, or go to the COVID-19 vaccination page.

More information

This page is managed by: ACT Health Directorate