Colds (Age 6-21)

Symptoms

Runny or stuffy nose. The nasal discharge may be clear, cloudy, yellow or green.
A sore throat can be the first sign.
Fever can also be present.
At times, the child may also have a cough and hoarse voice. Sometimes, watery eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck also occur.

Cause

Colds are caused by many respiratory viruses. Healthy children get about 6 colds a year.
Colds are not serious. With a cold, about 5 and 10% of children develop an ear or sinus infection.

Colds: Symptoms of Secondary Bacterial Infections

Using this guide, you can decide if your child develops a complication. Look for these symptoms:

Prevention of Spread to Others

Overview:

It's normal for healthy children to get at least 6 colds a year. With each new cold, your child's body builds up immunity to that virus.
Most parents know when their child has a cold. Sometimes, they have it too or other children in school have it. Most often, you don't need to call or see your child's doctor.
There are no drugs to make a cold go away sooner. But, there are good ways to help many of the symptoms. The treatment for each symptom is different.
Here is some care advice that should help.

For a Runny Nose With Lots of Discharge: Blow the Nose

Nasal Saline To Open a Blocked Nose:

Use saline (salt water) nose drops or spray to loosen up the dried mucus. If you don't have saline, you can use a few drops of bottled water or clean tap water.
STEP 1: Put 3 drops in each nostril.
STEP 2: Blow each nostril out while closing off the other nostril.
STEP 3: Repeat nose drops and blowing until the discharge is clear.
How often: Do nasal saline when your child can't breathe through the nose.
Saline nose drops or spray can be bought in any drugstore. No prescription is needed.
Saline nose drops can also be made at home. Use 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of table salt. Stir the salt into 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 ml) of water. You must use bottled or boiled water for this purpose.
Reason for nose drops: Blowing alone can't remove dried or sticky mucus.
Other option. Use a warm shower to loosen mucus. Breathe in moist air, then blow each nostril.

Fluids:

Try to get your child to drink lots of fluids.
Goal: Keep your child well hydrated.
It will thin out the mucus discharge from the nose. Also, it loosens up any phlegm in the lungs.

Humidifier:

If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Reason: Dry air makes nasal mucus thicker.

Medicines for Colds:

Cold Medicines. They are not advised. Reason: They can't remove dried mucus from the nose. Nasal saline works best.
Decongestants. Decongestants by mouth (such as Sudafed) are not advised. Can have side effects.
Allergy Medicines. They are not helpful, unless your child also has nasal allergies.
No Antibiotics. Antibiotics are not helpful for viruses or colds. Antibiotics may be used if your child gets an ear or sinus infection.

Fever:

For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. See a Dose Table. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.

Treatment for Other Symptoms of Colds:

Pain. Use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen for muscle aches or headaches.
Sore Throat. Sip warm chicken broth. Some children prefer cold foods such as popsicles or ice cream. Can also suck on throat drops or hard candy.
Cough. Can give honey 1 teaspoon (5 ml) for coughing spells. Can also use cough drops.

What to Expect:

Return to School:

Definition