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Your child will probably have more colds than any other illness.
Fortunately, most colds go away by themselves in 4-7 days and do
not lead to anything worse. Colds are caused by viruses and can
spread very easily to others by sneezing and coughing.
Cold symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, scratchy
throat, cough and mild fever. Usually you won’t need to take
your child to the doctor when he or she has a cold. However, if
your baby is younger than 3 months, call your doctor at the first
sign of illness.
What Should I Do At Home?
There are some things you can do at home to make your child feel
better:
- Give your child lots of fluids (water, diluted fruit juices,
Jello-O water).
- Let your child get plenty of rest.
- To help babies feed, sleep, and breathe better, suction your
baby’s nose carefully with a bulb syringe. Ask your child’s
PCP or nurse how to do this safely.
- Do not allow your child to be exposed to smoke.
- Check with your child’s PCP before giving any medication
to reduce fever, or any over-the-counter cough or cold medications.
- Wash your hands and your childs’ hands frequently with
warm water and soap.
When Should I Call My Child’s PCP?
- When your child is having trouble breathing, is wheezing or
complains of chest pain.
- When your child complains of stiff neck, headache, earache or
sore throat.
- When your child is fussy, hard to wake up or refuses several
feedings.
- When your child has a cough that hasn’t cleared up in
7 to 10 days.
- When your child is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature
of 100.4° F or a cough.
How Can I Prevent Future Colds?
- Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently with
warm water and soap. Teach your children handwashing at an early
age.
- Do not allow your children to be exposed to smoke.
- Limit closeness to other adults or children who are coughing
and sneezing.
- Develop good health habits for your family, including good nutrition
and getting enough sleep.
...Be Prepared
Keep the Following Information Handy
When you need medical advice, remember to call your child’s
primary care provider (PCP) first. Same day appointments can usually
be made if your child is sick. Ask what you can do at home while
you are waiting for the PCP to see your child.
You may also call the Nurse Advice Line, available 24 hrs. a day,
at 1-800-606-9880. If you are a person with a hearing impairment,
you may call the TDD/TTY number, 1-800-648-6056.
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