Out in the world beyond your front door, there lurk more than 200 viruses hiding in plain sight -- on board books, discarded tissues, rubber balls, even a friend's hand -- and waiting to set up shop in your child's nose or throat. As a result, upper respiratory infections, or colds, are extremely common in children of all ages. Understanding how colds invade can help you minimize Johnny and Janie's chances of repeatedly experiencing this irksome health condition.
The Facts
Cold symptoms typically appear within 48 to 72 hours of exposure to an infected person and may continue for 7 to 10 days. Common signs of a cold in children include a runny nose, mildly sore or scratchy throat, nasal congestion or stopped-up nose, sneezing, irritability, fatigue and a medium- to low-grade fever. Colds typically aren't serious illnesses and can generally be managed at home with rest, plenty of fluids, saline nasal spray and the use of a humidifier.
Factors
Some children are more likely to succumb to repeated colds, such as those who go to school or daycare. Being around other children who have a cold increases your child's chances of getting the illness, which is caused when the virus lodges in the nose or throat. Many times, sick children sneeze and cough without covering their noses and mouths; they also often wipe their noses on their hands or sleeves, frequently just before touching books and toys. This increases the transfer of the germs responsible for colds.
Risks
For many children, repeated colds don't pose a serious health problem. In most cases, as children get older, their immune systems grow stronger and they become less susceptible to repeated colds. Colds do, however, pose a risk for children who have a suppressed immune system or a history of chronic respiratory or breathing problems, such as asthma. Because of their underlying health problems, such children are more likely to suffer from secondary infections and asthma flares linked to colds. Babies and infants are also more likely to suffer secondary effects such as pneumonia and croup, particularly during dry winter months. This is due to their immature immune systems.
Prevention
Although you won't be able to protect your child from every cold, you can minimize the number of colds she has to contend with. Teach your little one proper hygiene habits, including regular hand-washing, using tissues to blow her nose and covering her mouth when coughing. Once a cold strikes your house, use a virus-killing disinfectant to clean household surfaces that might harbor germs. If you have an infant or baby in the house, avoid contact with people who have a cold.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Common Cold and Runny Nose
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; Dr. William Sears, et al; 2011
- MedlinePlus: Common Cold
- "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child"; Dr. Robert Rountree, et al.; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Common Cold in Babies - Risk Factors; October 2010
