Parent Guide: Cold / Runny Nose
Colds are caused by viruses. There are about 200 different viruses that cause colds. Children can get 8 - 10 colds per year. Adults get fewer colds because they have built up immunity against some of the viruses. Antibiotics do not work against cold viruses.
Prevention:
- Wash your hands to prevent spread of viruses.
- Teach your children to wash their hands.
- Wash toys that are shared with others.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough and, at the beginning, headache, fever and watery eyes.
- Fluid from the nose is clear at first but turns thick yellow or green within 2 - 3 days. This does not mean it is a bacterial infection.
- Children might have a cough, which is worse at night.
- A cold usually lasts for 4 - 7 days. It might take as long as three weeks to fully recover.
Treatment:
- Offer plenty of fluids such as water or juice. Warm clear fluids such as soup will help the nose to drain.
- Give acetaminophen for fever (see "Fever").
- Allow your child to get plenty of rest.
- Use salt-water (saline) nose drops to treat stuffiness and cough, especially for infants and toddlers. Use commercial salt-water drops or spray or make your own.
- A decongestant or cough syrup might help symptoms but will not shorten the length of the cold. Note: Decongestants and cough syrup might also contain acetaminophen. Read labels carefully and check with your pharmacist to avoid overdosing.
- To prevent infecting others, caregivers should wash their hands often.
See your doctor if. . .
- Fever returns or symptoms worsen 5-10 days after first becoming sick.
- Yellow or green nasal discharge lasts longer than 10 days.
Salt Water Drops
125 ml (4 oz or ½ cup) warm water¼ tsp table salt
- Mix well.
- Prepare fresh every day.
- Position child so that head is slightly back.
- Use a medicine dropper to put 1 - 2 drops in each nostril.
- Repeat 4 to 5 times per day.
