Coughs and colds
It is difficult to watch your child suffer through a cough or cold. Here’s how you can help.
Ever wonder when your child will stop getting colds? You’re not alone. Babies and preschool children often have as many as 6 to 10 colds a year. Why? Their immune systems aren’t fully developed, which explains why they have many more colds than adults.
Generally a cold is nothing to worry about, but there are ways for you to manage your little one’s symptoms and discomforts.
You can learn more at the Canadian Paediatric Society. And read on for specific suggestions and guidance.
Cough and cold symptoms
Colds can mimic other conditions. Here are some symptoms to look for.
Common symptoms include:
- Coughing, sneezing and a runny nose
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Fever
Rarer symptoms include:
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Lack of energy and loss of appetite for a week or longer
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A fever several days into a cold may mean that your child has an ear or chest infection
Avoiding colds—giving them or catching them
You can help protect yourself and your family from getting sick by being informed. Here’s what you need to know.
How are colds transmitted?
Colds are easily spread from person to person in the following ways:
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Through the air
Whenever a person with a cold coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air.
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Through direct contact
Whenever a person with a cold touches his or her mouth or runny nose and then touches another person.
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Through indirect contact
Whenever a person with a cold touches his or her mouth or runny nose and then touches an object, such as a toy or furniture. Another person may then catch the cold by touching the same object. Cold germs can live on objects for hours.
How can I avoid spreading colds?
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Hand washing is the best way to avoid spreading colds. Try to wash your own hands and your child’s hands after wiping his or her nose. Always wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.
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Make sure to regularly wash and disinfect your child’s toys, including the plush ones, to minimize the presence of viruses and bacteria.
What special precautions do I need to take when my child has a cold?
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Your child does not have to stay indoors because of a cold. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t get a cold from cold air. In fact, regular doses of fresh air can be soothing to anyone suffering through cold symptoms.
Treating your child’s cough or cold
Important information about giving your child cough and cold medicine
In general, it is best to avoid giving your child medicine for colds and coughs, except for acetaminophen or ibuprofen and medicine prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used by children less than 6 years old. These products are not as effective in young children. Before using a nonprescription medicine for symptom relief, check with your doctor or Pharmacist. Some cough and cold medicines can cause unwanted effects, especially in young children. It is best to use a product that contains only one active ingredient to lessen the chance of side effects.
So how do you help your child with cold symptoms?
Decongestant nose drops or sprays
Decongestant nose drops or nose sprays may give temporary relief. But if used too often, they can actually make a stuffy nose worse. They can have side effects. If your baby has a stuffy nose, use saline nose drops and a nasal aspirator before feedings.
Coughing
Coughing is one way for the body to remove irritating substances from the lungs. It is best to leave a cough alone unless it interferes with your child’s sleep. In that case, you may want to speak to your doctor or Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
To relieve aches and fevers, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always use an accurate device to measure the correct amount of medicine. A household teaspoon, for example, is not an exact teaspoon. Measure the correct amount based on your child’s weight. Your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist can help you determine the appropriate amount.
Fluids
Give your child extra fluids, like water and juice, to drink.
Rest
Make sure your child gets as much rest as possible.
Humidifier
Use a cold mist humidifier to ease coughing and a stuffy nose. Be sure to clean the humidifier every day to keep germs from growing in the equipment.
Antibiotics
Colds are caused by germs called viruses. Antibiotics are useful only to fight germs called bacteria. Antibiotics will not cure colds.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines do not help to relieve the symptoms of the common cold in most children.
Should I call the doctor?
Contact your doctor if your child has any of the following:
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Earache
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Fever higher than 40 C (104 F)
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Severe sore throat
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Unusual sleepiness
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Unusual crankiness or fussiness
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Skin rash
- Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
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Constant coughing
What is the role of your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist?
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Recommend non-medicinal ways to manage your child’s cough and cold symptoms.
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Suggest an accurate measuring device if you do administer a medicine to your child.
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Recommend the appropriate dose of medicine based on your child’s weight.
