Understanding Congestion, Cold Symptoms, & Flu
My child’s nose seems to always be running. Is this normal? Yes!
On average, young kids catch 6 to 8 colds per year, and colds last around 10 days. That’s a lot of snot!
Viruses are the most common cause of runny nose.
- The common cold is actually 200+ different viruses; rhinovirus the most common.
- The flu (influenza) virus
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) bronchiolitis
When to Manage at Home
You can manage your child's illness at home when:
- Mild to moderate symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal discharge, cough
- Fever in a child >2 months that responds to fever reducing medications
- Child is drinking fluids and has wet diapers
- Child is alert and consolable; may be irritable
How to Treat cold, flu and RSV virus symptoms at home
✅Do’s:
- Saline nasal drops have been shown to cut the duration of cold symptoms in children by nearly two days.
- Suctioning Tools: suctioning is helpful for babies and little kids who can’t blow their Squirt saline drops into your kid’s nostril before you start, then gently insert the syringe or aspirator and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Humidifiers in your child’s bedroom to keep the air moist and their nose comfy.
- Natural decongestants: warm compresses on the nose and forehead or steamy bathroom sessions to open up stuffy noses.
- Warm water (not too hot) or ginger tea with honey.
(note: honey should not be given to children under the age of one).
❌AVOID Mucus Triggers: such as dairy products, grains, sugar, and root vegetables.
Safe Medications
- Nasal saline: for all ages (e.g., NeilMed, Little Remedies)
- Acetaminophen: fever and pain reliever for all ages/dosage per package directions if over 2 yrs/check with pediatrician or Poppins for proper dosing
- Ibuprofen: fever and pain reliever for all ages/dosage per package directions if over 2 yrs/check with pediatrician or Poppins for proper dosing
- ❌AVOID
- Ibuprofen if your child is under 6 months
- honey if your child is under 1 year old
- Chest rubs with menthol/eucalyptus if your child is under 2 years old
- Cold and cough medications if your child is under 6 years old
- Aspirin and aspirin containing products in children unless specifically directed by your pediatrician
When to Contact Us Again
- Symptoms last longer than 2-3 days without improvement
- Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
- Sleep is significantly disrupted
- Child seems unusually uncomfortable
- You need dosing guidance for medications
- You're just not sure and need reassurance
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Symptoms lasting more than 10-14 days without improvement
- Cough is lasting longer than 3 weeks or is worsening
- Fever has returned after resolving for 24 hours
When to Go Straight to the ER:
- If your child is struggling to breathe
- Fever in a baby younger than 2 months
- Signs of dehydration: no wet diapers for > 8 hours/no tears
- Child is excessively sleepy or difficult to arouse
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
