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What is the common cold?
It is a viral infection that may be in the nose, throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx)
Due to the infection, there may be irritation of the nose, throat, and voice box
It is common for children to get up to 10 colds per year
It may take a full 7 days or more for cold symptoms to improve
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Your child may have sneezing, a runny nose (can be clear or discolored), or congestion
Your child may have a sore throat or sound hoarse
Your child may have a cough
Your child may have a headache
Your child may have ear pain
Your child may have more general symptoms too, like a fever, or appear more tired
What are the treatments for it?
Infants under 6 months old
nasal saline and suctioning
running a humidifier may help (be sure to clean it out daily)
your child’s provider may recommend Tylenol for pain or fever
your child’s provider may recommend a baby safe vapor rub
ensure your infant stays hydrated
Infants 6 months and older
nasal saline and suctioning
running a humidifier may help (be sure to clean it out daily)
your child’s provider may recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain or fever
your child’s provider may recommend an age-appropriate vapor rub
your child’s provider may recommend agave to help with cough
ensure your infant stays hydrated
Toddlers
Nasal saline and suctioning
running a humidifier may help (be sure to clean the water daily)
your child’s provider may recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain or fever
your child’s provider may recommend an age-appropriate vapor rub
honey in a warm liquid may help with the cough
encourage your toddler to consume lots of fluids
School-aged children
Teens
nasal saline
neti pot use may help (follow package instructions); See related article on nasal rinses
running a humidifier may help (be sure to clean the water daily)
honey in a warm liquid
cough drops or throat lozenges
vapor rub on the chest
your child’s provider may recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain or fever
ensure your teen drinks lots of fluids
How can I prevent it?
Encourage lots of hand washing
Avoid sick contacts
Avoid sharing food or drinks
Use your elbow to cover your mouth when you cough and nose when you sneeze
Avoid secondhand smoke exposure
Keeping your child up-to-date with their vaccines
When to call the doctor:
Your child is having trouble breathing
Your child is refusing fluids and urinating less than 3 times every 24 hours
Your child symptoms are getting worse
Your child has a fever for five days
Your child has not had their two-month vaccines yet and has a fever
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 08/2023