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Common Cold in ChildrenWhat is the common cold in children?The common cold (upper respiratory infection) is one of the most common illnesses in children. Each year it leads to more healthcare provider visits and missed days from school and work than any other illness. Millions of people in the U.S. will get a cold each year. Here are a few facts:
What causes the common cold in a child?Colds happen when a virus irritates (inflames) the lining of the nose and throat. Colds can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. But most colds are caused by rhinoviruses. To catch a cold, your child must come in contact with someone who is infected with one of the cold viruses. The cold virus can be spread:
Which children are at risk for the common cold?All children are at risk for the common cold. They are more likely than adults to get a cold. Here are some reasons why:
What are the symptoms of the common cold in a child?Cold symptoms start from 1 to 3 days after your child has been in contact with the cold virus. Symptoms often last about 1 week. But they may last up to 2 weeks. Symptoms may be a bit different for each child. In babies, cold symptoms may include:
Older children may have:
These symptoms may seem like other health problems, such as the flu. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is the common cold diagnosed in a child?Most common colds are diagnosed based on symptoms. But cold symptoms may seem like other bacterial infections, allergies, and health problems. How is the common cold treated in a child?There is no cure for the common cold. Most children recover from colds on their own. Antibiotics don’t work against viral infections, so they are not prescribed. Instead, treatment is focused on helping ease your child’s symptoms until the illness passes. To help your child feel better:
What are possible complications of the common cold in a child?Some of the complications that might occur if your child gets a cold include:
How can I help prevent the common cold in my child?To help children stay healthy:
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?Contact your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child has:
Key points about the common cold in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
How long does fever last when you have a cold?How quickly you recover from a cold or the flu depends on how healthy you are. In general, healthy people usually get over a cold in 7 to 10 days. Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after about 5 days, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer.
Is fever the last symptom of a cold?Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, which usually goes away after a day or two. Nasal symptoms, runny nose, and congestion follow, along with a cough by the fourth and fifth days. Fever is uncommon in adults, but a slight fever is possible. Children are more likely to have a fever with a cold.
What are the 5 stages of cold?The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.
Do you run a high fever with a cold?The Common Cold (Caused by Many Different Viruses)
Cold symptoms usually are mild. They often include a tickly throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. If there's a fever, it is not high. A child with a cold usually feels quite well, and has a good appetite and normal energy levels.
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