Understanding Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Common Cold)
What is it? Viral upper respiratory infections (common colds) are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics will not help and may cause side effects. Symptoms typically worsen for 2-3 days, then gradually improve over 7-10 days.
Common Symptoms
- Runny/stuffy nose: Clear, white, yellow, or green nasal discharge
- Green or yellow mucus is normal and does not indicate bacterial infection
- Cough: May be dry or wet; can persist for 2-3 weeks even after other symptoms resolve
- Sore Throat
- Fever: The body's normal response to fighting infection
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's cold at home when:
- Symptoms are mild to moderate
- No difficulty breathing or breathing too fast
- Child is drinking fluids adequately
- No fever above 102°F for more than 3 days
- No signs of ear pain or other complications
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for viral upper respiratory infections:
- Hydration: Offer frequent sips of water or breastmilk/formula for babies
- Humidifier or steam exposure: Use cool mist humidifier or sit in steamy bathroom
- Saline drops/spray: Use as needed
- Suction only if interfering with sleep/feeds; limit to 4-6 times in 24 hrs to avoid irritating nasal passage
- Honey (>1 yr): ½-1 tsp as needed for cough
- Rest: Allow child to rest and eat as tolerated
- Hand washing: The best prevention method
**Expect a temporary decreased appetite and increased sleep needs**
Safe Medications
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: For fever/discomfort only
- AVOID over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children under 6 years
- AVOID antibiotics (they will not help viral infections)
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Fever persisting beyond 3 days with cold symptoms
- Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
- Signs of dehydration or persistent fluid refusal
- You're concerned about breathing or overall condition
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Mild respiratory distress: some retractions, nasal flaring
- Ear pain or signs of secondary bacterial infection
- Worsening symptoms after expected improvement timeline
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Showing signs of severe respiratory distress: significant retractions, head bobbing, grunting
- Having cyanosis or severe labored breathing
- Extremely lethargic or unresponsive
- Unable to drink fluids or showing severe dehydration
- <3 months: Any fever ≥100.4°F (38°C)
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.
