Common Colds in Children - and how to manage them

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It is very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two.

The main symptoms of a cold include:

• a sore throat 
• a blocked or runny nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• headache

More severe symptoms, including a high temperature (fever) and aching muscles can also occur, although these tend to be associated more with the flu.

Tips to manage colds

When your child is displaying symptoms of a cold, preventing the spread of germs and helping your child feel better are your top priorities.

Here are four things that may help ease the symptoms:

• Inhaling steam from a shower, or using a humidifier, may help relieve nasal congestion
• Saline nasal drops or a nasal spray (followed by bulb suction for infants) may also ease breathing
• Make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids, and gets enough rest
• Try over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever
• Give them warm liquids such as chicken soup – these may temporarily help ease congestion