WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What are the symptoms of a common cold? A common cold is caused by a viral infection. The infection usually affects your child's upper respiratory system. Your child may have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
  
  
• Sneezing
  
  
• A dry or sore throat
  
  
• A stuffy nose or chest congestion
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• A dry cough or a cough that brings up mucus
  
  
• Muscle aches or joint pain
  
  
• Feeling tired or weak
  
  
• Loss of appetite

How is a common cold treated? Most colds go away without treatment in 1 to 2 weeks. Do not give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines to children under 4 years. These medicines can cause side effects that may harm your child. Your child may need any of the following to help manage his or her symptoms:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Acetaminophen is also found in cough and cold medicines. Read the label to make sure you do not give your child a double dose of acetaminophen.
  
  
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed. Call your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

How can I manage my child's symptoms?

• Give your child plenty of liquids. Liquids will help thin and loosen mucus so your child can cough it up. Liquids will also keep your child hydrated. Do not give your child liquids with caffeine. Caffeine can increase your child's risk for dehydration. Liquids that help prevent dehydration include water, fruit juice, or broth. Ask your child's healthcare provider how much liquid to give your child each day.
  
  
• Have your child rest for at least 2 days. Rest will help your child heal.
  
  
• Have your child gargle with warm salt water as directed. This can help decrease throat pain.
  
  
• Use a cool mist humidifier in your child's room. Cool mist can help thin mucus and make it easier for your child to breathe.
  
  
• Place saline (saltwater) spray or drops into your child's nose. This can help decrease congestion. Saline spray and drops are available over-the-counter. Follow directions on the spray or drops bottle. Have your child blow his or her nose after you use these products. Use a bulb syringe to help remove mucus from your child's nose.
  
  
• Give your child honey or cough drops. Honey and cough drops can help decrease a cough. Do not give honey to children under 1 year. Do not give cough drops to children under 4 years. Give ½ teaspoon of honey to children 1 to 5 years. Give 1 teaspoon of honey to children 6 to 11 years. Give 2 teaspoons of honey to children 12 or older.
  
  
• Apply petroleum-based jelly around the outside of your child's nostrils. This can decrease irritation from blowing his or her nose.
  
  
• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke near your child. Do not let your older child smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can make your child's symptoms worse. They can also cause infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Ask your child's healthcare provider for information if you or your child currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you or your child use these products.

How can I help prevent the spread of germs?Your child can spread his or her germs to others for up to 3 weeks after symptoms start. Wash your child's hands often. Tell your child not to share items such as eating utensils. Your child should cover his nose and mouth when he coughs or sneezes. Show your child how to cough and sneeze into the crook of the elbow instead of the hands.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child's temperature reaches 105°F (40.6°C).
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing or is breathing faster than usual.
  
  
• Your child's lips or nails turn blue.
  
  
• Your child's nostrils flare when he or she takes a breath.
  
  
• The skin above or below your child's ribs is sucked in with each breath.
  
  
• Your child's heart is beating much faster than usual.
  
  
• You see pinpoint or larger reddish-purple dots on your child's skin.
  
  
• Your child stops urinating or urinates less than usual.
  
  
• Your baby's soft spot on his or her head is bulging outward or sunken inward.
  
  
• Your child has a severe headache or stiff neck.
  
  
• Your child has chest or stomach pain.

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

• Your child's rectal, ear, or forehead temperature is higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
  
  
• Your child's oral (mouth) or pacifier temperature is higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
  
  
• Your child's armpit temperature is higher than 99°F (37.2°C).
  
  
• Your child is younger than 2 years and has a fever for more than 24 hours.
  
  
• Your child is 2 years or older and has a fever for more than 72 hours.
  
  
• Your child has had thick nasal drainage for more than 2 days.
  
  
• Your child has ear pain.
  
  
• Your child has white spots on his or her tonsils.
  
  
• Your child coughs up a lot of thick, yellow, or green mucus.
  
  
• Your child is unable to eat, has nausea, or is vomiting.
  
  
• Your child has increased tiredness and weakness.
  
  
• Your child's symptoms do not improve or get worse within 3 days.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.