Common Viral Infections | Right Decisions

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Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Fife
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Paediatric Hospital Antimicrobial Guideline
Common Viral Infections

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Chickenpox

Antiviral therapy may be considered in adolescents in whom disease may be more severe than in younger children. Treatment should start within 24 hours of onset of rash

In patients with symptoms / signs of pneumonitis, give IV therapy initially and watch for significant respiratory compromise

If admitted, child should be nursed in an isolation room. Beware: chickenpox is a highly contagious disease

Treatment

Not usually required

If required:

Aciclovir (PO if well, IV if immunocompromised)

Duration: at least 10 days in total (IV, if used, for initial 7 days)

Treatment should be given to all immunocompromised patients and continued until 48 hours after all lesions have crusted over, even if this means treating for more than 10 days

Shingles

Aciclovir may reduce severity, pain and duration of viral shedding if treatment started within 72 hours of onset of rash

Aciclovir PO

If severe, or an immunocompromised patient:

Aciclovir IV

Duration: at least 7 days

Gingivostomatitis

If immunocompromised, seek specialist advice

Treatment in severe cases:

Aciclovir PO