NHS guidance sets out when a child with a cold needs medical attention, as winter bugs spread across the UK. Colds are very common in children because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them, having never had them before. Children gradually build immunity and experience fewer colds, with most clearing up within two weeks.
How to care for a child with a cold
Parents are advised to ensure their child drinks plenty of fluids and to encourage the whole family to wash hands regularly to stop the cold spreading. If a child has a high temperature and appears distressed, or is in pain or discomfort, children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, though children with asthma may not be able to take ibuprofen, so parents should check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first.
Saline nose drops can help loosen dried mucus and ease a blocked nose. Parents should speak to a pharmacist, GP or health visitor for advice. Children under 6 should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants, unless recommended by a GP or pharmacist.
When to call 111 or see a GP
According to NHS advice, parents should call 111 or see a GP if their child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell; a cough and a high temperature, or feels hot, cold or shivery, as this could be a chest infection; a cough for more than three weeks; a cough that persists, particularly if worse at night or triggered by running around, as it could indicate asthma; an earache that does not improve after three days; or suspected hearing loss after an ear infection.
When to go to A&E or call 999
Parents should go to A&E or call 999 if their child has a sore throat so severe they cannot swallow fluids or saliva, or any difficulty breathing; coughs or other problems that mean they are struggling to breathe; or croup – a distinctive barking cough with a harsh sound when breathing in (stridor) – with severe symptoms and struggling to breathe.
