How to treat your child's cold

If it feels like your child always has a cold, you're not imagining it. Children get an average of 5 to 8 colds a year and that's completely normal.

Here's why: there are hundreds of different cold viruses out there and young children have never encountered any of them before. Their bodies are essentially meeting each one for the first time, with no immunity built up yet.

The good news? Every cold they get through makes them stronger. Over time, they catch fewer and fewer. Most colds in young children clear up on their own within 2 weeks.

What you can do to help

• There's no cure for the common cold, but there's plenty you can do to keep your child comfortable while their body does the work:
• Keep them hydrated — encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water, warm soup or uji work well. Fluids help loosen congestion and keep their energy up.
• Help with a blocked nose — saline (salt water) nose drops can gently loosen dried mucus and relieve stuffiness. You can find these at most pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist if you're unsure which one to use.
• Manage fever and discomfort — if your child has a high temperature and seems distressed or in pain, children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet and use the right dose for your child's age and weight. Note: If your child has asthma, check with a pharmacist or doctor before giving ibuprofen.
• Wash hands often, colds spread quickly in the home. Encourage the whole family to wash hands regularly, especially after blowing noses or before eating. It's the simplest way to stop the cold from going around.

When to see a doctor

Most colds don't need a hospital visit but do see a doctor if your child:

• Has a very high fever that won't come down
• Is having difficulty breathing
• Is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake
• Gets worse after seeming to improve
• Is under 3 months old and has any cold symptoms

Colds are a normal part of childhood and each one is quietly building your child's immune system for the future. With a little extra care and comfort, most children bounce back quickly.

Adapted from: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/