How to Handle a Cold

Kids can get eight colds a year — or more. The common cold sends more kids to the doctor than any other illness.

Colds are caused by viruses found in the air and on the things we touch. Antibiotics can't treat viruses, so they won't help cold symptoms. But you can help your child feel better while the illness runs its course.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Cold?

• stuffy or runny nose (may start out watery, then turn thick yellow or green)
• itchy or sore throat
• sneezing
• cough
• headache
• mild fever
• feeling tired
• eating less

How Do I Treat a Cold?

• Ease discomfort with:
  • acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the package directions for how much to give and how often
  • a cool-mist humidifier or steamy bathroom
  • saline (saltwater) drops or spray for a congested nose
  • gentle suctioning of nasal mucus using a bulb syringe in infants
  • nose-blowing when kids are old enough to
• Offer lots of liquids — breast milk or formula for babies; water, electrolyte solutions, and diluted juice for older kids, but no caffeinated beverages.
• Never give cough or cold medicine to children under 6 years old. Call a doctor first about giving these to older kids.
• Never give aspirin to a child. Such use is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Honey can help with a cough, but do not give honey to children under 1 year old.

When Should I Call the Doctor About a Cold?

Call the doctor if your child has:

• cold symptoms that get worse or last more than a week
• a barking cough or a cough that is severe and happens in spasms
• trouble breathing
• a high fever and appears ill; or any fever in a baby 3 months old or younger
• a fever that lasts 5 days or more
• a sore throat that makes it hard to eat and drink
• a bad headache that doesn’t go away after acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• a stiff neck

What Can Help Prevent Colds?

Remind kids to:

• Avoid people who are sick.
• Avoid smokers (secondhand smoke increases kids' risk of getting sick).
• Wash their hands well and often, especially after nose-blowing and playing with other kids.
• Sneeze and cough into their elbow or a tissue — not their hands.
• Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.