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With the winter months coming, the colds will follow. Be prepared and know how to deal with it in advance. Colds are caused by viruses and as there are so many different strands of different cold virus infections, it is likely your child will have one this winter.

Interacting with other and particularly in crèches and playschool will increase the risk of infection. As the incubation period of a cold is about 1-3 days, children can catch a cold from someone that has no symptoms. You would usually be most contagious 2-4 days after getting the cold symptoms. In general, colds will clear out after about a week.

How colds spread

Viruses can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or even and object. The most common way colds spread are when you sneeze and cough, droplets are then fired out and these are inhaled by others. An powerful sneeze from an adult expels about 40 000 droplets, the smallest can travel about 40 metres and not all people cover their mouths when they sneeze.

Symptoms

Fevers are common with colds, but not always present. The most common symptoms are:
• Runny and blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Coughs, sore or itchy throat
• Watery eyes
• Achy body
• Headache

Relief

Because colds are primarily caused by viruses, antibiotics will have no effect on them. You need to let the infection run its course, while monitoring your child and giving pain relief if necessary. The best medicine for a cold is rest, but also make sure your child drinks a lot of liquid.

For sore throats you can give your child relief by letting him eat ice-pops, a spoon of honey and warm drinks, which all will soothe the pain.
A blocked nose can be relieved with a humidifier, as the steam will help clear the nose. In some humidifiers you can also add a few drops of essentials oils, such as Olbas or eucalyptus oil, which will clear out the nose and sinuses. Make sure to ask a professional about which oils are recommended for children. Blocked nose or pressure in the sinuses can also be relieved by raising the head end of the child’s bed, so that his head is higher than the feet.

If you are continuously cleaning your child’s nose, make sure to put some soothing cream on the raw area. Nappy cream is ideal for dealing with the sensitive skin around the nose.
Be aware that cold medicines, which are not recommended for children, really just cure the symptoms and not the cold. Your child will still be sick and need rest.

Prevention

There is very little you can do. You can try to keep your child away from someone that has cold symptoms, but that is not insurance. The best way to avoid a cold is to keep a high hygiene by washing your hands often and being healthy, thereby keeping their immune system strong.

Complications

A cold can spread and cause a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs, which causes pneumonia or bronchitis, or to the ears or sinuses. As bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics, you can contact your GP if you feel the cold is getting worse or is not letting up.

If you have any doubts and worries about your child’s health, contact your GP immediately.