treated if it slows your child down or causes discomfort.
However, if treatment is needed, the FDA has some tips for relieving cough and cold symptoms in infants and children.
Encourage children to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, especially warm drinks to soothe the throat.
A cool-mist humidifier can make breathing easier by decreasing congestion in nasal passages, and saline nose drops or sprays can keep nasal passages moist and help avoid stuffiness.
Your Young Child Is Sick: Is it COVID or RSV?
Nasal suctioning with a bulb syringe or a similar product works very well for children younger than 1-year-old.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever, aches and pain. Carefully read and follow the instructions or talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about dosage.
Call your doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in an infant 2 months or younger.
- A fever of 102 degrees F or higher in children at any age.
- Blue lips.
- Labored breathing, including nostrils widening with each breath; wheezing; fast breathing; the ribs showing with each breath, or shortness of breath.
- Severe headache.
- Not eating or drinking, with signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination).
- Excessive crankiness or sleepiness.
- Persistent ear pain.
- If the child is getting worse.