Regardless of their age, when your child is sick it can be difficult to manage symptoms and keep them comfortable until the cold passes. Many viruses can cause upper respiratory symptoms including cough, runny nose, and sore throat, as well as more generalized symptoms such as fevers, body aches, and tiredness. Even abdominal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can accompany viral illnesses. Many of these viruses thrive when the weather becomes cold and dry, leading to more colds during the fall and winter months. If your child is feeling unwell, you can have them seen by their pediatrician to assess for concerning infections, but what can you do when it is “just a cold”?

In many cases, time is the best treatment for a viral cold, but symptomatic treatments can help keep your child more comfortable while waiting for the infection to resolve over the next 7-10 days. Hydration is an important step in preventing dehydration, thinning out mucus, and can even ease a sore throat (especially warm fluids). Nasal congestion can be managed with saline spray or drops, a nasal aspirator or bulb, and cool mist humidification. If your child is older than 2 years old, you can consider the use of menthol chest rub for improving cough, congestion, and some aches/pains. Rather than giving over-the-counter cold medications, honey is a recommended treatment for cough in children older than 12 months old. For children with symptomatic fevers, consider the use of a fever reducing medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, for children >6 months old); if your child has a low grade fever and is asymptomatic, monitor them closely but treatment with medication is not necessary. For more information on keeping a sick day care kit and managing symptoms, check out Healthy Children’s Cough & Cold Survival Kit!

If your child is exhibiting severe symptoms such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, fever for 5 days or more, temperatures of 104F or higher, dehydration, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, don’t wait; call to schedule an appointment with one of our providers!

Falusi, L. (November 13, 2024). Caring for Kids with Colds & Flu: Simple Remedies to Ease Symptoms. Healthy Children. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/caring-for-kids-with-colds-and-flu-simple-remedies-that-help.aspx