Children's Cold Basics

A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that is spread in a number of different ways. Your child could pick up a cold virus through:

• Physical contact with another child who already has a cold.
• Physical contact with a contaminated item that previously was touched by someone who had a cold
• The air, by breathing in germs from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

How to treat the symptoms:

Dealing with a runny nose

There’s not much you can do about a runny nose except for periodically clearing it for easier breathing. It is best to have your child blow his/her nose. Have them put a tissue over their nose, close one nostril and gently blow the other side for three to five seconds. Then switch sides and repeat.

Stopping the stuffiness

Stuffy noses are a common symptom of colds. But you can help clear your child’s nasal passages by putting three drops of warm tap water into the nasal passages and using cotton swabs to wipe out loosened mucus.

Soothe that sore throat and cough

Help relieve your child’s sore throat by giving your child warm salt water to gargle. If your child is over four years of age, try giving him or her cough drops.

Loss of appetite

When your child has a cold, it’s important that he or she doesn’t become dehydrated. Encourage him or her to consume lots of fluids even if the child doesn’t feel like eating or drinking. Chicken noodle soup is a favorite of many kids.

Remember, Children’s Advil works to temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold. Learn more about Children’s Advil Products.