Kids and Colds

Many parents are surprised to find out their kids can catch three to 12 colds a year! The good news? Colds are caused by viruses and they go away "on their own."

Signs of the Common Cold

• Stuffy, runny nose (the mucus from the nose can be clear or colored)
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Feeling tired

Signs of a Sinus Infection

When your child has a cold, the sinuses around his nose may be stuffy and swollen. Sometimes the sinuses can get infected with bacteria. When this happens, your child has a sinus infection. Most sinus infections happen after your child has had a cold for at least 10 days.

• A constant runny nose that has not gotten better
• Coughing during the day that often gets worse at night
• Tenderness of the face
• Headache

Call your doctor if your child has these signs. Your doctor will decide whether your child needs an antibiotic.

What's a Parent to do?

Learn the signs of a cold, talk to the doctor and be patient. It takes a week or more to completely get over a cold. Do not ask your doctor for an antibiotic to treat your child's cold. Colds are caused by viruses and antibiotics do not work on viruses.

When Your Child Has a Cold

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids to drink.
• Some parents find that a steamy bathroom, a cool mist vaporizer or salt water nose drops makes their child feel better.
• Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) may be used for fever and achiness.
• If you want to give your child a cough or cold medicine, check with the doctor first.
• Contact your child's doctor if your child is not getting better within a week. Call if any of the signs listed below develop.
• Call the doctor if your child has a cold, cough or runny nose and develops any of the signs below:
• • Trouble breathing
  • A fever over 100.5 F degrees in a baby less than 3 months of age
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Sleeps more than normal
  • An ear ache
  • Eye redness or swollen eyes
  • A rash
  • Cannot or will not drink fluids
  • Your child has asthma

Remember, do not ask for an antibiotic to treat a cold or mild cough. Antibiotics won't work for infections caused by viruses!

"Use Antibiotics Wisely" is an educational program sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Revised May 16, 2006