HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Colds in children
Wharowharo ki ngā tamariki
Colds are caused by germs (viruses) infecting the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat and voice box (upper airways).
There are hundreds of different cold viruses, which spread through the air when a person sneezes or coughs. Droplets from sneezes or coughs also settle on surfaces. You may get infected by the virus if you touch those surfaces then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
On average, tamariki (children) catch a cold three to eight times a year. Colds tend to happen more frequently in the colder months. Tamariki tend to get fewer colds as they get older because they build up immunity to some of the viruses that can cause colds.
Symptoms of colds in children
Cold symptoms usually last one to two weeks, though they're worse in the first two or three days. The cough that goes with a cold can last up to four weeks. Click the image to see how many tamariki still have symptoms after five or 10 days.
If your tamaiti (child) has a cold, they will have some or all of these symptoms:
- a runny or blocked nose
- watery eyes
- sneezing
- an itchy or sore throat
- a cough
- a hoarse voice
- a mild fever.
A tamaiti with a cold might also have mild body aches, mild headaches and less energy than usual.
While their immune system is fighting the cold, you'll notice some changes in their symptoms:
- the mucus from their nose may get thicker and may become yellow or green
- their cough may start to sound wet
- they may cough up mucus (phlegm) that is first white or clear, but then pale green or yellow.
These changes are normal. They do not mean they needs antibiotics.
Helping your child with a cold
Medicines cannot cure colds.
Antibiotics will not treat a cold and may cause side effects such as diarrhoea (the runs), thrush and tummy aches. Giving antibiotics to a tamaiti when they do not need them makes it more likely they will develop a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics. This could make it difficult to treat any bacterial infections they get.
The best ways to treat your tamaiti for a cold are:
- Ensure they get plenty of rest.
- Make sure they drink lots of fluids such as water.
- Give them paracetamol to help relieve pain, fever or discomfort. Carefully follow the instructions on the label about how much medicine to give them and how often. Check with your pharmacist or general practice team.
- Saline nasal drops or spray can help relieve a stuffy nose. Ask your pharmacist or general practice team about them.
Traditional vapour rubs to relieve congestion shouldn't be used in pēpi (babies) or tamariki as they can cause airway irritation and breathing distress.
Always read the directions on the label of on any medication. Speak to your pharmacist or general practice team if you aren't sure.
Getting help for your child with a cold
Most colds get better within one to two weeks. Most tamariki children do not need to see a nurse or doctor. But you should take them to see a doctor if they:
- are less than 3 months old and have a fever
- are short of breath (they look puffed), are breathing noisily or their ribs show more than normal when they breathe
- are coughing up a lot of mucus or are coughing for a long time without taking a breath
- cannot keep food or liquid down, are drinking less than half their normal amount or aren't weeing much
- are unusually tired or lacking energy
- have a rash (spots on their skin)
- have pain anywhere that is getting worse even though you've given them paracetamol
- have had a fever for three days and it is not getting better
- have had a wet-sounding cough for four weeks or have had a cold for four weeks and still aren't getting better.
You should also take them to a doctor if they have a sore throat and are Māori or Pacific or prone to strep throat infections. Strep throat needs to be treated with antibiotics to help to prevent rheumatic fever.
Preventing colds
Unlike influenza (flu), there is no vaccination for colds because they're caused by many different viruses.
You can help your tamariki avoid colds by teaching them to avoid sharing cups, drink bottles or anything they eat or drink with, and to wash their hands before eating or preparing food. They should also wash their hands after they have touched their face.
Teach them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their arm (but not their hand) when they sneeze or cough and then to wash their hands afterwards.
Keeping your home warm and dry and being smokefree also help to stop your tamariki from getting colds.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- NHS – How do I treat my child's cold (9 - 30 months)
This video explains what to do if your tamariki gets a cold.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- KidsHealth – Viral wheeze
Information about a lung infection in young children called viral wheeze.
- KidsHealth Children's Health Network – Colds
Information from the United States version of KidsHealth about colds in tamariki.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2021.
Sources
Review key: HICIC-150982
