Common Cold Symptoms

What You Should Know:

  • The common cold, also known as an upper respiratory infection, is caused by viruses
  • Antibiotics will not help the common cold
  • Cold symptoms in children usually last 5 -7 days

Common Cold Symptoms in Children

Common cold symptoms can include the following:

  • Runny nose (mucus can change color and thickness, even with viruses)
  • Cough
  • Fever is possible
  • Sneezing
  • Sore Throat
  • Decreased appetite is not unusual

Colds travel through droplets in the air, when people cough or sneeze, and through hand contact, when people touch their eyes, nose, or mouth and then touch other things. One way to lessen your chances of sharing a cold and preventing the appearance of cold symptoms in children is to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues in a trash can immediately. Wash your hands routinely throughout the day, and, most importantly, keep your fingers out of your nose, mouth, and eyes.

While we don’t routinely recommend the use of over-the-counter common cold medications for cold symptoms in children, we may offer suggestions for symptom control specific to your child after seeing them in the office.

Common cold symptoms that have lasted a week and are worsening, or 10 days and simply not showing signs of getting better, could signal a sinus infection. It is at this point that we should see the child to decide if any further medical treatment or evaluation is necessary.

Of course, if at any point, your child shows signs of respiratory distress (i.e. nostrils that get bigger and smaller with breaths, blue lips or labored breathing), they should be taken to the nearest emergency room immediately.

****The information provided here is intended only as a supplement to the advice and information provided by our providers and nurses during direct patient interactions at Health Care for Children. This information should never take the place of an actual physical examination. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss your concerns with our nursing staff directly.****

More questions? Call us now.

Visit Healthy Children.org to find out more information on common cold symptoms and treatment for children.

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