Common Symptoms of Colds and Flu in Babies and Children:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache

Home Remedies for Colds and Flu:

1. Ensure your child gets plenty of rest
2. Encourage them to drink fluids to stay hydrated
3. Use a cool mist humidifier to help with congestion
4. Soothe a sore throat with warm liquids like broth or tea
5. Offer over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your pediatrician

When to Seek Medical Help:

If your child is under the age of 3 months and has a fever, or if they are experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or unusual drowsiness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

What are colds, flu and RSV?

An ordinary cold is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory system and typically resolves independently without specific treatment.

Influenza, also known as ‘the flu’, is a viral infection sharing symptoms with a cold but can lead to severe complications in children.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus causing respiratory illnesses, spreading easily through coughs and sneezes. It is more common during colder seasons.

Children are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immunity.

What are the symptoms of colds, flu and RSV?

Cold symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, mild headache, and overall discomfort. Fever can also be present, but it is usually mild.

Influenza symptoms are similar to cold symptoms but can be more severe. In addition to the symptoms mentioned for colds, influenza can also cause muscle pains, fatigue, weakness, and chills. High fever is common with the flu.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and fever. In young children, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. In severe cases, RSV can cause pneumonia or other serious lung infections.

It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of a cold, flu, and RSV so that appropriate treatment can be sought and complications can be avoided.

What causes colds, flu and RSV?

Colds impact the upper respiratory system, while the flu is caused by the Influenza virus and RSV can lead to lung infections.

When should I see a doctor?

Colds typically resolve on their own, but complications like ear infections or pneumonia are rare occurrences. Coughing could also indicate asthma.

Seek medical attention for severe symptoms or breathing difficulties.

When diagnosing colds and flu, healthcare providers will often rely on symptoms reported by the patient. Symptoms of the common cold can include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and mild body aches. On the other hand, symptoms of the flu are usually more severe and can include high fever, severe body aches, chills, fatigue, and weakness.

In some cases, healthcare providers may also recommend testing to confirm a diagnosis. For flu, a rapid flu test can be done in a healthcare provider’s office to determine if the symptoms are indeed caused by the influenza virus. Additionally, a nasal or throat swab may be taken and sent to a lab for further testing.

It’s important to see a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or persistent, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

How can I treat colds and flu in babies and young children?

Babies with colds need proper care and nourishment, while older children may require medications for symptom relief.

For babies with colds, it’s important to keep them well hydrated and ensure they are getting enough rest. You can use a cool mist humidifier in their room to help with congestion, and saline nasal drops can also be helpful in clearing out their nasal passages.

For young children, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with fever and body aches. Make sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

It’s also important to encourage your child to rest and stay home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the illness to others. Keep them comfortable with plenty of fluids, nutritious food, and a warm environment.

How can I prevent colds and flu?

Notify child care facilities about your child’s illness to prevent further spread. Consider flu vaccination for children and expectant mothers.

Who can get free flu vaccination?

Free flu vaccination is accessible for specific groups under the National Immunization Program.

Consult healthcare professionals regarding vaccination.

Complications of colds, flus and RSV

Complications due to colds are uncommon in children, but flu or RSV could lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Children with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or a weakened immune system, are at a higher risk of developing complications from colds, flu, or RSV.

Pneumonia is a serious complication that can occur as a result of the flu or RSV. It is characterized by inflammation of the lungs and can be particularly dangerous in young children or those with compromised immune systems.

Bronchiolitis is another potential complication of flu or RSV, especially in infants and young children. It is a condition that affects the smallest airways in the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing.

It is important for parents to monitor their child’s symptoms and seek medical attention if they suspect complications from a cold, flu, or RSV. Early detection and treatment can help prevent serious health issues from developing.

Resources and support

For more details on children and influenza, consult healthcare providers or visit relevant websites.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Contact Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for support.

Sources:

Healthy WA, NSW Health, Australian government, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

A cold is a mild viral infection that causes inflammation in the respiratory system, resulting in symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.

Symptoms of a cold

A blocked or runny nose, sore throat, general discomfort, and sometimes fever or aches. Symptoms typically last for about a week.

Distinguish between a cold and flu based on severity and affected areas.

Children can frequently contract colds caused by different viruses, especially during colder months.

Colds can spread easily from person to person, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

To help your child feel better, focus on rest, fluids, and comfort. Over-the-counter remedies such as infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used, following appropriate dosage and instructions.

If your child’s cold appears severe or if symptoms worsen, reach out to your GP.

When to see a doctor

• Your child is under 6 months old with a high fever
• Symptoms persist for over 3 weeks
• Difficulty breathing or severe ear pain
• Worsening symptoms or chest discomfort

Corona Virus

Trust your instincts and seek medical help if necessary for COVID-19 symptoms.

Doctor

Dr Ellie Cannon

Dr Ellie Cannon is an NHS GP specializing in children’s health. She recommends consulting a doctor if your child is unwell.

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Find out what might be causing your child’s illness, how to manage respiratory and ear infections at home, and when to seek medical assistance.

It is common for babies and children to experience coughs and colds, usually improving with rest and home care. Learn to recognize symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

The information provided is for guidance purposes only. If concerned about a baby, schedule a GP appointment or call NHS 111.

When to get emergency help

Call 999 or go to the Emergency department if a baby or child:

• Develops bluish or greyish discoloration on lips, tongue, face, or skin
• Experiences breathing difficulties or pauses between breaths
• Finds breathing or coughing painful
• Becomes floppy and unresponsive
• Experiences seizures
• Cannot swallow fluids

Colds

Babies and young children frequently suffer from colds, sometimes having eight or more a year. Each cold boosts their immunity and reduces frequency over time.

Colds typically last 5-7 days, but young children may take longer to fully recover. A high temperature for babies and children is 38°C or above.

Treatment for colds

Most babies and children recover with home care. Contact a GP urgently for suspected bronchiolitis if symptoms worsen.

• The baby’s condition deteriorates
• Decreased appetite or feeding
• Dry nappy for 12 hours or more
• Excessive tiredness or irritability
• Unusual warmth or sweating
• Baby under three months with 38°C temperature or older than three months with 39°C or higher temperature

Additional tips for treating colds in babies and young children include:

• Keep your child hydrated with plenty of fluids
• Ensure they get plenty of rest
• Use a humidifier to help ease congestion
• Offer age-appropriate over-the-counter cold medications if recommended by a healthcare provider
• Keep the child’s room at a comfortable temperature

Sore throat

A sore throat in babies may precede a cold or flu by up to two days. Most sore throats resolve on their own, but if they persist after four days, consult a GP.

If difficulty swallowing fluids or breathing arises, seek urgent medical attention.

Coughs

When babies have colds, mucus in the throat triggers coughing, aiding in clearing the airways of phlegm.

If a cough persists for weeks, worsens at night, or is accompanied by wheezing, it may be asthma.

Bronchiolitis (bron-kee-o-ly-tis)

Bronchiolitis affects babies up to two years old, often triggered by a virus like RSV. Symptoms include cold-like early indications.

Most cases of bronchiolitis resolve at home without treatment. Call a GP if concerned or if the baby is at higher risk.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough starts with symptoms resembling a cold but progresses to intense coughing fits, particularly at night. Seek urgent medical help for babies under 12 months.

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed within two weeks. There is also a vaccination available for pregnant women to safeguard newborns.

How is whooping cough treated?

Older babies recover with home care, while younger ones may require hospitalization. Antibiotics may be prescribed if identified early.

How long does whooping cough last?

Whooping cough remains contagious even after cough onset, lasting several weeks, potentially months. Treatment information can be found on the NHS website.

Croup

Croup manifests with symptoms like a cough or cold, featuring a distinctive barking cough and noisy breathing. Home rest is usually adequate, but severe cases require urgent medical attention.

Ear infection

Ear infections in babies and children typically resolve on their own within a few days. Watch for signs like ear tugging and seek GP guidance if symptoms persist.

Help alleviate ear infection symptoms with home rest. Contact a GP if symptoms worsen or if ear infections recur.

How to care for a baby at home

Medication

Administer children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief as directed. Use saline drops to alleviate a blocked nose with guidance from the pharmacist.

Fluids

Offer ample fluids to keep the baby hydrated. Rest is crucial for recovery, avoiding sleeping with a sick baby on the sofa.

Caring for an ill child can be tiring, so rest whenever possible and accept help when offered.

Who might be able to offer advice on what to do? (NHS, 2024c)

When in need of medication advice or prompt GP consultation, reach out to the pharmacist. Alternatively, the health visitor or practice nurse can serve as a helpful initial point of contact.

If seeing a GP is not feasible, contact 111 for out-of-hours or emergency appointments, available 24/7.

In case of serious concern, dial 999 or visit the Emergency department.

Is it possible to prevent common infections?

While complete avoidance of common infections is challenging, there are strategies to reduce their occurrence.