As winter arrives, many parents notice their children seem to have one cold after another. Sneezing and coughing linger, illnesses circulate among siblings, and parents often end up sick as well. This pattern is common, especially in families with school-age children. As a former pediatrician in South Carolina with more than 40 years of experience, I am well aware and would like to offer some guidance.
Colds are extremely common in children during the colder months. Symptoms often include excess mucus, sneezing, coughing, decreased appetite and activity, mild discomfort and occasionally a low-grade fever. Colds are caused by viruses — much smaller than bacteria — and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Colds are self-limited, meaning they go away on their own, but seem to continue all the time because:
- There are many different respiratory viruses that are being passed around.
- Your school-age children are constantly exposed to viruses from their classmates.
- Children often pass the virus before they actually have symptoms.
- Once symptoms develop, the sneezing and coughing (airborne transfer of the virus) are enhanced by hand contact and the spread of the virus to classmates and siblings.
What You Can Do
The treatment of colds is symptomatic. Decongestant and antihistamine medicines are not recommended for children because there are more side effects than benefits, unless your children have significant underlying health conditions. Plenty of fluids and rest are crucial, and using a humidifier at night may be beneficial. Saline nose drops can help loosen up mucous and make it easier to breathe when the child is very congested. Menthol rubs might provide some nighttime relief but should be used sparingly, put away after use, and not be used on children under 2.
Why Not Antibiotics?
We should all be reminded that antibiotics are not used for colds and for good reason. Antibiotics do not treat viruses; they only treat bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics leads to germs that become resistant to antibiotics, making their use ineffective in the future when they are truly needed. Plus, overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria that might cause more serious infections in vulnerable people. So, don’t go to the doctor expecting to get antibiotics for an uncomplicated cold.
When to Go to the Doctor
I’m sure you want to know when you should take your children to the doctor. If a fever persists for more than a day or is not just low grade, the cough worsens, the mucous turns green, vomiting develops, or the child just looks sick, a visit to the pediatrician is indicated.
Remember that a fever is not necessarily a bad thing (it is the body’s way to fight infection), but a high fever could be a sign of a spreading infection in the ears or lungs. Children can be very sick without a fever, so if symptoms are lingering too long or the child is more exhausted than usual, please go see the doctor. Colds are rarely emergencies, so delay visiting the emergency room unless absolutely necessary.
Tips to Remember
Decreasing the spread of the virus out in public and at home requires a concerted effort by all. When sneezing or coughing, it should always be in the crook of the bent arm. If tissues are used, they should be discarded right away. Hand washing and the use of consistent use of hand sanitizer will help decrease the spread.
The bad news is that colds are annoying and common. The good news is that they will go away without much harm if you follow the tips above.
Dr. Bob Saul is a professor of pediatrics (emeritus) at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, and a former pediatrician who has been there for over 40 years. You can visit his website at mychildrenschildren.com, where this article was originally published.
