What is the common cold?
A cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat and sinuses). There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Symptoms of a cold can include: congestion, runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, feeling tired, lack of appetite and headache. Cold symptoms can last up to 2-3 weeks, but the worst part is usually the first 3-5 days.
Cold and flu season is typically October to April (although it varies by year). This is due to weather changes, kids going back to school and an increase in indoor activities that makes it easier for viruses to spread.
What is flu?
Influenza (flu) is a virus that causes an infection in the upper respiratory tract. It tends to cause more severe symptoms than other cold viruses and can lead to more serious illnesses and hospitalizations, which is why there is a vaccine for influenza.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that causes colds during cold and flu season. For immunocompromised and very young children it can lead to more severe illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Why do some kids get sick more than others?
Younger children are more susceptible to illnesses due to their developing immune system. Once they start preschool or daycare they are exposed to many more viruses in a season. Younger siblings are also exposed to more when their older siblings bring viruses home. During the first couple years of daycare or school kids can get an average of one cold a month during cold and flu season.
How do you treat a cold?
Most mild viral illnesses can be treated at home with supportive care.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for symptoms (remember – you don’t have to treat the fever if it is not causing discomfort – that is the body trying to fight off the infection!)
- Encourage a lot of water to stay hydrated
- Nasal saline rinses, and suction for the younger kids
- Honey has been proven to help with cough (can be given to children once they are 12 months old)
- Avoid over the counter cold medications for kids under 6 years old, they haven’t been proven to help much and can be dangerous to the younger kids
How do you prevent a cold?
- Make sure you are up to date with vaccines, including the flu vaccine
- Good handwashing
- Don’t share cups/straws/untensils
- Make sure to cough and sneeze in your elbow
- Wear a mask if you are sick or have fevers
When should I see my doctor?
- Fevers over 100.4 lasting more than 4-5 days
- Any labored or rapid breathing
- Symptoms lasting more than 2-3 weeks
- Wheezing
- Anything else that seems concerning