Upper respiratory tract infection (Common Cold)

Upper respiratory tract infection (Common Cold)

Upper respiratory system involves the nose, sinuses and throat. Most children will experience 6 or more colds per year.

What To Expect:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose or runny nose
  • Cough
  • Mild fever
  • Sore throat
  • Symptoms usually resolve within 5-7 days and do NOT need antibiotics

Important to Know:

  • Colds are caused by many different viruses that are spread through laughing, talking, coughing or sneezing; touching things that have mucous on them and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Babies breathe through their nose, so a stuffy nose creates difficulty with eating or sleeping
  • Interventions to try at home: -Humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to help thin mucous -Children >1 year old you can raise the head of the bed to prevent mucous buildup -Encourage extra fluids -Children >6 years old can use certain over-the-counter cough/cold medications -Nasal saline and suction

When to call the clinic:

  • Difficulties breathing: faster or shallower
  • Poor intake (fluids)
  • Decreased urine output
  • >100.5 F in child 6 months or younger
  • >100.5 in child >6 months for longer than 3 days

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