Customer question:
What are the symptoms of a cold in a baby? How can I help my baby get better as soon as possible? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The first signs of a cold in a baby are often:
- runny nose or stuffy nose
- fever - most children have a fever at the beginning
- cough and hoarse voice
- sometimes watery eyes and swollen lymph nodes on the neck also appear
- nasal discharge that is clear at first but turns thick - yellow or green
A cold usually lasts seven to ten days. After that, a healthy and normally functioning immune system will fight and eliminate or deactivate the virus.
Do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines on your baby at your discretion (unless directed by your pediatrician). Instead, keep your child at home, warm and isolated to prevent the spread of the virus. Consult your pediatrician for specific recommendations on when it is safe to return to preschool.
To make your baby feel more comfortable:
- use a humidifier while the baby sleeps
- offer the baby enough fluids
- give him plenty of rest
- use saline to rinse your nose
If your baby has a common cold, there is no need to worry. Likewise, a cold caused by a virus is usually nothing to worry about. However, viruses can cause a more severe illness that can be potentially dangerous for babies.
If your baby is under three months old, always call his pediatrician and discuss any health problems. With newborns, it is essential to ensure that there may not be a more severe illness, especially if your baby has a fever.
Interesting reading: Cold and wheezing