The common cold is the most frequent illness of childhood. A healthy child can have a cold 6–10 times a year, and a child attending daycare up to 12 times; this does not mean their immune system is weak.

Symptoms

  • Runny and stuffy nose (clear at first, then thickening over a few days and possibly turning yellow-green — this alone does not require antibiotics)
  • Sneezing, mild sore throat, cough
  • Mild fever (usually below 38.5°C), irritability

How Many Days Does It Last?

Symptoms peak on days 2–3 and usually subside on their own within 7–10 days. The cough may linger for 2–3 weeks.

What Should You Do at Home?

  • Cleaning the nose with saline solution (in babies, before feeding and sleep)
  • Plenty of fluids; frequent breastfeeding in breastfed babies
  • Humidifying the room air and keeping the child away from cigarette smoke
  • For fever and irritability, an appropriately dosed fever reducer on a doctor's recommendation
  • Over-the-counter cough-and-cold syrups are not recommended under 6 years of age

When Should You See a Doctor?

  • Fever in a baby younger than 3 months
  • A runny nose that lasts longer than 10 days without improving (it may be sinusitis)
  • Ear pain, wheezing or rapid breathing
  • A marked decline in feeding