Colds are a frequent cause of much discomfort to old and young alike.

What are the causes?

Most colds are caused by a group of viruses know as “Rhinoviruses.” Although they are around most of the time, winter seasonal occurrence is more common. This may be due to closed environments, dryer air, and grouping more closely together such as in the classroom.

Possible Symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Irritated eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose 
• Feeling just plain miserable.

What can I do?

• Encourage fluid intake, especially water and natural fruit juices.
• Use saline (salt water) nose drops to relieve nasal congestion in babies if they are having trouble feeding.
• For mild sore throats, use cold liquids and popsicles.
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen in recommended doses may be useful to relieve aches and fever.
• Do not use aspirin.
• Cool mist vaporizers may be used if the air is very dry. Be sure and keep them clean as it is easy for mold to grow in them.
• Do not use decongestants or over the counter cold remedies unless instructed to do so by your child’s doctor. They may actually make symptoms worse!
• Colds do not need to be treated with antibiotics.
• Don’t overdress children. Use loose fitting clothing that is comfortable so as to avoid getting too warm.

Call the Doctor when:

• Coughing produces thick green or yellow mucus.
• Discharge from the eyes is thick and yellow.
• Fever persists past three days or is excessively high (above 103F.)
• Rash is present with cold and fever.
• Severe headaches occur.
• If vomiting develops.
• Onset of earache or significant sore throat or swollen glands in neck or noted.

Colds are very common and every one “catches” them. Washing hands frequently and coughing into the sleeve or tissue instead of hands diminishes the spread of the virus. Also, frequent cleansing of toys and other objects in playrooms are additional ways to limit the spread of infection. Don’t over treat a cold. Someday there may be proven ways to prevent the “common cold” but for now the simplest remedies are often the best.

By Dr. Olson Huff

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