By Dr. M. Cooper Paediatrician

 

WHAT TO DO FOR THE COMMON COLD?


        Common cold is one of the most common infections seen in young children. It is seen between late August and April. The symptoms are typically stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, fever(38-39 degrees Celsius) , headache and sore throat. The nasal discharge can be clear, yellow or green appearing. These symptoms usually last 7-14 days.

            It is caused by respiratory viruses that are released in the air by persons blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing. Another way to get the virus is when children touch various objects with the germ and then touch their faces.

Children can get up to eight to ten colds per year because their immune system was never exposed to the germs and their body has to learn how to fight these viruses.

    There is no definitive treatment for the common cold, and it just has to run its course. Parents should ensure children have plenty of fluids and rest during the course of the illness. Saline nose drops or saline spray can be used in treatment. Humidifiers can help with removing the mucus. It is strongly advised that you talk with your doctor before using over the counter medicines as they could have potential serious side effects, especially for children under age 4 years old.


Prevention strategies include:

⦁ Good hand hygiene. So, teach your child to wash their hands properly with soap and water. 

⦁ They should avoid contact with persons who are sick. 

⦁ Ensure to clean all the toys, play area and common surfaces that they touch. 

⦁ You should teach them to cough and sneeze on a tissue or on their elbow if tissue not available. They should ensure to properly dispose of the tissue.

⦁ Children should always eat a balanced diet, keep hydrated, get lots of sleep and keep active to strengthen their immune system. 

⦁ Parents should also ensure their vaccines are up to date.

When to see the doctor:

-Fever- 0-3 months old - any fever present

            3-6 months old - Temperature greater than 38.3 degrees Celsius

             over 6months old-Temperature greater than 39.3 degrees Celsius

           Or any fever beyond three days

-Shortness of breath, chest pain, worsening cough

-cold lasting more than 7-10 days

-ear pain, worsening headache

-irritability

-lethargy

-dehydration

-ear pain


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