Is This “Just a Cold”? (Normal Symptoms)
If your child has these symptoms, it is likely a standard viral cold:
- Runny Nose: Starts clear, then turns gray, yellow, or green.
- Note: Green snot does not mean they have a sinus infection. It is a normal part of the cold healing process.
- Fever: Common in the first 1-3 days.
- Sore Throat: Often the very first sign.
- Cough: Can last up to 3-4 weeks.
🚨 When to Get Help
Most colds can be managed at home, but complications (like ear infections or pneumonia) happen in 5-10% of cases.
Call 911 Now
- Severe Breathing Struggle: Child is struggling for every breath, ribs are pulling in, or they can barely speak/cry.
- Color Change: Lips or face turn blue.
Call Doctor Now or Go to ER
- Breathing: Fast breathing, wheezing (whistling sound), or trouble breathing that doesn’t stop after cleaning the nose.
- Fever (High): Fever over 104° F (40° C).
- Fever (Baby): Any fever (>100.4°F) in a baby less than 12 weeks old.
- Immune System: Child has a weak immune system (Sickle Cell, Cancer, Transplant, etc.).
- Behavior: Child looks or acts very sick.
Contact in 24hrs
- Earache: Child complains of ear pain or has drainage from the ear.
- Eye Pus: Eyelids are stuck together with yellow pus after sleeping.
- Fever Duration: Fever lasts more than 3 days, or goes away for 24 hours and comes back.
- Sinus Pain: Pain around the cheekbones or eyes (not just a stuffy nose).
- Duration: Nasal discharge lasts > 14 days or Cough lasts > 3 weeks.
🏠 Home Care Action Plan
There is no cure for a cold, but you can treat the symptoms to make your child comfortable.
🤧 The Nose (Congestion)
“Saline & Suction” is the gold standard.
- Saline: Put 2-3 drops of saline (salt water) into each nostril to loosen the mucus. (Use 1 drop if under age 1).
- Clear it:
- Older Kids: Have them blow their nose.
- Babies/Toddlers: Use a suction bulb or aspirator. Close one nostril while suctioning the other.
- Frequency: Do this before feeds and before sleep. Limit to 4 times a day for infants to avoid irritation.
🍯 The Cough & Throat
- Honey (Age 1+ Only): ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey coats the throat and calms a cough better than some medicines. Never give to babies under 1 year.
- Hard Candy (Age 6+ Only): Sucking on hard candy or cough drops soothes a sore throat.
- Fluids: Warm chicken broth or cold popsicles can help the throat. Keep them hydrated to thin the mucus.
💨 The Environment
- Humidifier: Run a humidifier if the air is dry. Moist air keeps the mucus loose.
- Vaseline: Put a little petroleum jelly under the nose to prevent raw, red skin from constant wiping.
💊 Medication Rules
- Pain/Fever: Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) for fever over 102°F or for body aches/sore throat.
- NO Cough Syrups (< 6 Years): Do not give OTC cough/cold medicines to young children. They are not effective and can have serious side effects.
- NO Antibiotics: They do not kill viruses.
What to Expect (The Timeline)
Knowing how long symptoms last helps prevent panic.
| Symptom | Normal Duration |
| Fever | 2 to 3 Days |
| Sore Throat | Up to 3-5 Days |
| Runny Nose | 7 to 14 Days |
| Cough | 2 to 4 Weeks |
✈️ Bonus: Air Travel Tips
Flying with a cold is safe, but it can cause ear pressure.
- The Descent: Most pain happens during landing (the last 15 minutes).
- The Fix: Keep the child awake. Have them swallow often during descent.
- Babies: Use a bottle or pacifier.
- Kids (4+): Chew gum.
- Everyone: Yawn and drink fluids.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is
for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how
you
use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.