Children, colds, and the flu

Respiratory infections (colds and "flu") probably are the number one reason children are brought to the doctor. Most children younger than 5 years old, especially those in day care or preschool, develop an average of 10 colds each year, each lasting eight to 10 days. The good news is each cold usually protects the child from being reinfected with the same virus again.

If your child has a cold or the flu, a trip to the doctor won't help. Viral infections can't be cured by medical treatments; they just need to "run their course." The best thing to do—except for complications such as pneumonia, a very sore throat, or ear infections—is to treat the symptoms at home and reduce discomfort while your child's body heals itself.

Symptoms/Signs:

With a cold: runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headache, low-grade fever, red and itchy eyes, or congested ears
With a flu: runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headache, fever and chills, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

Consult Your Doctor If Your Child:

Has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Has a high fever, especially with refusal to eat.
Has rapid breathing (possible sign of pneumonia).
Is an infant with flu symptoms.
Develops a very sore throat that is bright red or spotty.
Tugs at ear or complains of ear pain, or has ear drainage.
Has thick, smelly, green, or rust-colored mucus.
Has a severe or persistent (10 days or more) cough.
Has cold symptoms that last more than two weeks.
Is excessively sleepy or irritable.

Home Care Ideas:

Provide plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, and other caffeine-free drinks.
Try acetaminophen for fever and pain. (Because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, aspirin should not be given to or used by children or teenagers who have or are suspected of having flu or chicken pox. Use acetaminophen instead.)
Antihistamines or decongestants may help clear nasal congestion if your child is more than 1 year old. Consult doctor.
A cough suppressant with dextromethorphan may help a non-productive (no mucus) cough.
Reduce your child's activity.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, bed rest may be needed.
Keep your child warm.
A vaporizer or humidifier can help keep mucous membranes moist.
Saline nose drops and a bulb syringe (careful!) can clear the nose.
Hot broths, such as chicken soup, can help clear nasal congestion and soothe the throat.
Do not neglect to give your child balanced meals while he or she is sick.
Wash your child's and your own hands frequently, especially if a family member has a cold or flu.
If your child has a chronic illness, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or sickle cell disease, ask about flu shots.