Assessment of Mothers' Knowledge Regarding Care of their Children Suffering from Viral Infections

Abstract

Viral infection constitutes a major public health problem in Egypt requiring more interest and attention than it presently receives (CDC, 2011). Virus is a tiny organism that causes an infection in the body, which results in a viral infection that can be transmitted in numerous ways such as contact with an infected person. It can affect any part of the body or a body system such as the respiratory system (common cold, flu), gastrointestinal tract (viral gastroenteritis) and skin (chicken pox). In addition to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and hepatitis A (Janice, 2000). Age, poor hygiene, immunity of children and eating habits are factors that could increase children's risk to viral infection (Mark, 2004). The best way of treating human viruses will depend on the strength of the individual’s immune system, their overall health status, age, the severity of the condition and the type of viruses involved. Minor illnesses caused by viral infections usually require symptomatic treatment, while more severe conditions may require advanced medical treatment and sometimes even life-long treatment. A combination of treatment options such as conventional medicine, complementary therapy and natural medicine can help to fight the infection, control the symptoms and strengthen the immune response (CDC, 2009). The nurse must educate mothers to be familiar with the viral disease to recognize the disease and institute appropriate preventive and supportive intervention (Schilling et al., 2009).