Autumn and winter are the seasons when colds and flu are particularly common. Parents of young children attending nurseries or kindergartens experience this especially painfully. Young children are very susceptible to various infections due to their still-developing immunity. Additionally, being around many peers every day makes it even easier for viruses to spread quickly among children. All these factors create a ready recipe for frequent colds during the autumn-winter season. How can you recognize a cold in your child and how to deal with the illness?

The most common symptoms of a cold are: runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and headache. When these symptoms appear in a child, it is worth consulting a specialist as soon as possible and allowing the child to stay home for a few days to avoid spreading the infection. Fortunately, a simple cold is not a serious threat to the child’s health. Symptoms are often mild enough that apart from a runny nose or cough, the child does not experience more serious discomfort.

It is estimated that a normally developing child has a runny nose on average 6–8 times a year! A blocked nose can cause significant discomfort: it makes breathing difficult, prevents peaceful sleep, and triggers coughing. Remind your child to blow their nose regularly to keep it clear. To relieve discomfort, you can also use a nasal aspirator, rinse with saline solution, or apply a nasal spray. A home remedy for a stuffy nose is inhalation. Eucalyptus oil or special preparations are perfect for this purpose. Inhalation can be performed with an inhaler or even during a bath.

Most upper respiratory infections in children begin with a cough. Coughing is a reaction to irritation of nerve endings in the mucous membrane and is not harmful in itself, as it helps expel accumulated mucus and microorganisms. Syrups that thin secretions work best against cough. A doctor’s visit is also necessary to rule out other diseases (e.g. angina). Frequent coughing can irritate the throat and cause pain. To soothe a sore throat, focus on moisturizing it. During the infection, give the child plenty of fluids and use pharmacy remedies that relieve sore throat. Preparations are available in many forms: lollipops, gummies, sprays, or syrups – it’s best to choose according to the child’s preference. During infection, check whether the throat is increasingly red, tonsils are swollen, or if there is purulent discharge and white coating. Any worrying symptoms or prolonged infection should be consulted with a doctor.

A common symptom accompanying a cold is fever. If a child is more irritable, develops flushed cheeks, and their forehead and back feel hotter than the rest of the body, it is a sign to measure their temperature. Low-grade fever ranges from 37°C to 38°C. When the temperature approaches or exceeds 39°C, it is time to administer a paracetamol- or ibuprofen-based medicine to lower it. If elevated temperature lasts three days, exceeds 40°C, or if convulsions or neck stiffness occur, seek medical attention immediately. Fever is a natural defense mechanism of the body against infection, so a slight rise in temperature is not a cause for concern. However, we must remain vigilant and not ignore any symptoms until the child fully recovers.