Tips for Soothing Your Child's Cold

5 August, 2025 Doctor Pediatrician 1 category

A cold is a common viral infection that impacts the upper respiratory system, causing nasal inflammation and increased mucus production, leading to symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.

Identifying Symptoms of a Cold

Typical symptoms include:

Congested or runny nose
Sore throat (usually the initial sign)
General sense of unwellness

Less common symptoms might include:

Fever (around 38–39°C)
Body aches
Red or irritated eyes
Loss of taste and smell

Cold symptoms typically persist for about a week, or up to 14 days in young children.

Differentiating between a Cold and Flu in Children:

Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and rapid, affecting a wider range of areas, while cold symptoms progress more slowly and primarily impact the nose and throat.

Distinguishing between a Cold and Allergies:

Allergies involve an exaggerated response to harmless substances, eliciting symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and coughing. They develop gradually, last longer, and may have a familial pattern.

Factors Contributing to Colds in Children

More than 200 viruses can cause common colds. Children, due to exposure within playgroups, schools, and among siblings, typically experience 8-10 colds annually, especially in colder seasons.

Preventative Measures for Cold Transmission:

Reduce interaction with sick individuals, maintain hand hygiene, cover sneezes and coughs, avoid sharing personal items, regularly disinfect surfaces, and uphold good hygiene practices.

Tips to Aid Children’s Recovery

While colds naturally resolve with time, simple remedies like rest, hydration, saline drops, vapor rubs, and honey with lemon can help alleviate symptoms. Be alert for severe signs like breathing difficulties or persistent discomfort.

When to Consult a Doctor

Contact your child’s primary care provider if symptoms endure, worsen, or if they experience breathing issues, severe pain, or other concerning signs.

Coronavirus Information

Trust your instincts and seek medical guidance if necessary, particularly if COVID-19 symptoms are suspected. Refer to the NHS website for further details.

Physician

Dr. Ellie Cannon

Dr. Ellie Cannon is a General Practitioner with the NHS, actively involved in child health initiatives and an author of parenting literature. This medical professional does not endorse Calpol.

Treating Common Symptoms of Colds

Preventing the Spread of Colds

To prevent the spread of colds among children, encourage regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Teach children good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of cold transmission.

Boosting Immunity in Children

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your child’s immune system, making them less susceptible to colds. Make sure they get enough sleep and exercise to maintain overall health and immunity.

Home Remedies for Cold Relief

For mild cold symptoms, try using a humidifier in your child’s room to ease congestion, or giving them warm fluids like soup or tea with honey to soothe sore throats. Steam inhalation and saline nose drops can also provide relief from nasal congestion.

When to Keep Your Child Home

If your child has a fever, is experiencing severe symptoms, or is too unwell to participate in daily activities, it’s best to keep them home from school or daycare to prevent the spread of illness and allow them time to rest and recover.

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

If you have concerns about your child’s cold symptoms or if they are not improving with at-home remedies, consult a healthcare provider for further guidance. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Stay informed about cold prevention and treatment strategies to better care for your child’s health. Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet with essential cold remedies and seek professional medical advice when necessary.

Insights into Cold Causes and Symptoms

Viral infections are the primary culprits behind coughs and colds in children.
Cold viruses spread easily through droplets originating from infected individuals.
Cold symptoms may encompass runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.
Allowing ample rest aids the child’s immune system in combating the virus.
Avoid giving cough syrups and cold medications to children.
It is important to ensure that the child stays hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids.
Proper hand hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can help prevent the spread of cold viruses.
Using a humidifier in the child’s room can help alleviate congestion and ease breathing difficulties.

Distinguishing Features of Common Colds

Cold cases primarily stem from different viral strains. Children might endure frequent colds due to their developing immune systems. Essential rest and supportive care are crucial for managing cold symptoms in children.

Recognizing Common Cold Symptoms

Key cold symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and tiredness.
Occasional symptoms might involve an elevated body temperature.

Utilize the Symptom Checker tool for guidance on identifying symptoms and determining appropriate actions.

It’s important to note that cold symptoms can vary from person to person. In addition to the common symptoms mentioned above, some individuals may also experience a sore throat, cough, headache, or body aches. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your symptoms.

Understanding Viral Infections in Children

Most coughs and cold symptoms in children are due to viral infections. It’s important to understand that antibiotics do not work against viruses, so treating a viral infection with antibiotics will not be effective. Instead, focus on relieving symptoms and allowing the body to fight off the infection naturally.

Common symptoms of viral infections in children include runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, and sneezing. These symptoms usually improve on their own within a few days to a week. Make sure your child stays hydrated, gets plenty of rest, and eats nutritious foods to help their immune system combat the virus.

If you suspect severe breathing problems or persistent symptoms in your child, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, or worsening symptoms after a week, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Identifying Severe Illness Signs

Spot alarming symptoms that necessitate urgent medical intervention for your child’s safety. Act promptly to address concerning signs.

Utilize the Service Finder tool to locate nearby healthcare facilities tailored to your requirements.

Some common severe illness signs to watch out for include:

High fever (above 102°F)
Difficulty breathing
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Unresponsiveness or lethargy
Severe headache or persistent pain

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, seek medical help immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.

Dealing with Routine Coughs and Colds

Common coughs and colds are predominantly viral and typically clear up within a week with adequate rest. Focus on supportive care to aid your child’s recovery journey.

Encouraging Fluid Intake

Ensuring your child stays hydrated will:

Help soothe a sore throat
Maintain hydration during fever, vomiting, or diarrhea

Using Saline Solutions

Saline nose drops or spray can assist in thinning mucus, facilitating easier expulsion.

Medications and Remedies

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can alleviate sore throat or headache pain. Follow dosage instructions carefully. For children over 12 months, honey can aid in relieving coughs.

Avoid administering decongestants or cough syrups to children due to potential harm.

Avoid giving sedating antihistamines to children under 6 years for colds or coughs as they may be harmful.

Additional Recommendations

Vitamin supplements are unnecessary for children with colds. Seek medical advice if concerns arise.

Myths and Realities

Practices like ‘feeding a fever’ or ‘starving a cold’ hold no proven benefits in treating coughs or colds.

Antibiotics Awareness

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Since most coughs are viral, antibiotics are not useful.

Additional Tips for Preventing Colds and Coughs

Make sure to get regular exercise to boost your immune system.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals, especially during peak cold and flu seasons.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace.
Consider getting a flu shot to help prevent influenza-related illnesses.

Remember that prevention is key when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding colds and coughs. By following these tips and practicing good hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.

Post-Cold Scenario

In most cases, coughs and colds improve without medical intervention or complications.

In certain instances, a bacterial infection may develop, necessitating antibiotic treatment.

Further Assistance

For any additional help or information, feel free to reach out to the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222. You can also visit the Royal Children’s Hospital website for more resources and support.

Locate the nearest available GP service for medical assistance.
Request a video consultation with a maternal child health nurse through Pregnancy Birth and Baby for professional advice and guidance.

Source:

Last reviewed: November 2023

Explore More Resources

Enhancing Childhood Health

Discover strategies to assist children in coping with coughs, colds, and sore throats.

Find more resources on the NPS MedicineWise website

Whooping cough: babies, children & teens | Raising Children Network

If you start experiencing symptoms similar to a cold that progress into a distinctive cough, it could be whooping cough. Seek advice from a healthcare professional.

For more information, visit the raisingchildren.net.au website.

Colds cannot be cured, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms and support the recovery process.

Find out more on the MyDoctor website.

Cough in babies, children & teens | Raising Children Network

Children may often have persistent coughs that usually do not require specific treatment.

Explore further on the raisingchildren.net.au website.

Colds – Better Health Channel

Cold viruses are commonly spread through sneezing, coughing, and contact with contaminated hands.

Learn more about this on the Better Health Channel website.

Dry coughs can be bothersome and unproductive. Discover available remedies for relief.

Find more information on the MyDoctor website.

Chronic Cough – Lung Foundation Australia

Coughing is a natural mechanism to clear airways and eliminate irritants. If you have a persistent cough, seek medical attention.

Read more on the Lung Foundation Australia website.

Human metapneumovirus fact sheet | NHMRC

Respiratory infections similar to common colds or RSV can be caused by the human metapneumovirus.

For more details, visit the NHMRC website.

Colds and flu in babies and children

Find information on coughs, colds, flu, and RSV in children, and know when it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider.

Explore further on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website.

Influenza – Lung Foundation Australia

Influenza is a severe illness that differs from the common cold.

Get detailed information on the Lung Foundation Australia website.

Human metapneumovirus fact sheet | NHMRC

Mild infections similar to colds can be caused by the human metapneumovirus.

For more information, read on the NHMRC website.

The Common Cold: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment | Ausmed

The common cold affects the nose, ears, and throat, and is typically caused by different viruses.

Discover more on the Ausmed Education website.

An Overview of Common Respiratory Tract Infections | Ausmed

Enhance your care provision by learning about common respiratory illnesses and their symptoms.

Read more on the Ausmed Education website.

Respiratory viruses fact sheet – Fact sheets

Mild cold or flu-like symptoms are often caused by respiratory viruses.

For further information, visit the NSW Health website.

Bordetella pertussis | Pathology Tests Explained

Find out about tests for detecting and diagnosing Bordetella pertussis infection.

Explore more on the Pathology Tests Explained website.

Pertussis Guide for Health Care Professionals – Immunisation Coalition

Pertussis, a contagious bacterial respiratory infection, requires prompt medical attention.

Learn more about this on the Immunisation Coalition website.

Infectious mononucleosis fact sheet | NSW Health

Teenagers and young adults can be affected by infectious mononucleosis through contact with saliva.

For more details, read on the NSW Health website.

Influenza: Everything You Need to Know | Ausmed

In the year 2023, over 40,000 cases of influenza have been documented. Find out how to protect yourself during flu season.

Discover more on the Ausmed Education website.

What is Dengue? | Ausmed

Dengue fever, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to symptoms resembling the flu.

For detailed information, visit the Ausmed Education website.

Ross River Virus Infection | Ausmed

Ross River virus infection is common in Australia and can cause fever and joint pain.

Read more about this on the Ausmed Education website.

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Category: About child care