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 3 to 8 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 1 to 2 weeks, though they are worse in the first 2 or 3 days. The cough that goes with a cold can last up to 4 weeks. Click the image to see how many tamariki still have symptoms after 5 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 will 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.

Do not use traditional vapour rubs to relieve congestion in pēpi (babies) or tamariki. This is because 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 are not sure.

Getting help for your child with a cold

Most colds get better within 1 to 2 weeks. Most tamariki do not need to see a nurse or doctor. But you should see your general practice team 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 are not 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 have given them paracetamol
have had a fever for 3 days and it is not getting better
have had a wet-sounding cough for 4 weeks or have had a cold for 4 weeks and still are not 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 are 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. Also, 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.

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