Treating the Common Cold in Children

Most of the time, a cold is a mild illness and the symptoms are better within a week or two. Call the doctor if your child

• is getting worse instead of better or has symptoms that last longer than two weeks

• is having trouble breathing

• is not drinking and has not made any urine in 6-8 hours

• seems too sleepy or tired (lethargic) at those times when he usually would be awake and active

• has mild fever for more than 3-5 days, has high fever, or starts to get fever after several days of cold symptoms

• gets ear pain, or any other new pain.

When your child can go back to school/daycare