Two kinds of germs cause infections: viruses and bacteria. Viruses cause the common cold. Antibiotics do not cure a virus nor make cold symptoms better. The good news is that colds go away on their own.

On average, children can catch between 6 and 9 colds a year! And, the typical cold lasts 7-10 days.

An ounce of prevention. . .
You can help reduce the number of colds your child gets, even though you cannot eliminate colds completely. One of the best ways to keep cold germs from spreading is frequent handwashing. You and your family should wash your hands with soap and warm, running water, rubbing your hands together for long enough to say the ABC's. Dry your hands on a clean cloth or paper towel. Alcohol-based hand gels are another way to prevent transmission of colds when soap and water are not available

Signs of the common cold:
  • stuffy, runny nose
  • sore throat that usually goes away with start of runny nose
  • fever
  • cough
  • watery eyes
  • feeling tired

It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color during a cold. If mucus from the nose changes colors from clear to yellow or green, it does not mean your child needs antibiotics.

What you can do to help your child feel better:
  • Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids to drink.
  • Have your child breathe steam from a bathroom shower, or cool-mist vaporizer, or take salt-water nose drops.
  • Give acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) for fever and aches as directed by your doctor or nurse.
  • Use cold or cough medicine only as directed by your doctor or nurse.
  • Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.

Call the doctor right away if your child has a cold, cough or runny nose and develops any of these signs:

  • trouble breathing
  • any fever over 100.4 degrees in a baby less than three months old
  • fever of 101 F in 3-6 month old, high fever (over 102F) in any child 6 months or older
  • a high or prolonged fever in a child of any age
  • severe headache, neck pain, or stiffness
  • earache or irritability
  • eye redness or swollen eyes
  • rash
  • cannot or will not drink fluids
  • sinus pain, pressure or tenderness
  • cough or runny nose that does not improve after 10 days
  • unusually sleepy
  • no wet diapers or toilet trips in 6 hours
  • signs of dehydration.

Remember! Always use antibiotics wisely.

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