Common Colds in Children
Colds: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your little one has a runny nose, and you're wondering if you should worry. The good news? Most childhood colds are totally normal and will get better on their own with some TLC at home.
What's going on?
A cold is just your child's immune system fighting off a virus. It's actually a sign that their body is working exactly like it should. Kids get around 6 to 10 colds per year, especially once they start daycare or school, because they're building up their immunity.
The whole thing usually lasts about a week, though that lingering cough might stick around a bit longer. It's frustrating when your child feels miserable, but their body is doing all the hard work of getting better.
What you might notice
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing and coughing
- Low fever (usually under 38.5°C)
- Feeling tired or cranky
- Sore throat or scratchy voice
- Less appetite than usual
What helps at home
Keep your child comfortable and help their body do its job. Lots of rest is key, even if that means more screen time than usual. Offer plenty of fluids like water, warm broth, or diluted juice to keep them hydrated.
A cool mist humidifier in their room can ease stuffiness, or you can sit with them in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. For babies, saline drops followed by gentle suction can help clear their nose before feeding or sleeping.
Honey works great for coughs in kids over 12 months old. Give them a teaspoon before bed or when the cough bothers them. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with fever or aches, but follow the dosing on the package.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, won't drink fluids for several hours, seems unusually sleepy, or has a fever over 40°C.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if the fever lasts more than three days, if your child develops ear pain, or if they're not getting better after 10 days. Also reach out if you notice thick yellow or green mucus that doesn't improve, or if your usually happy child seems really unwell.
The takeaway
Colds are tough on everyone, but your child will bounce back. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to ask for help when something feels off.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Common Cold](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/common_cold) - Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society)
- [Colds and Your Child](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=30&language=English) - AboutKidsHealth (SickKids)
- [When Your Child Has a Cold](https://ontario.ca/page/when-your-child-has-cold) - Ontario.ca