Colds are caused by viruses. They spread when people breathe, sneeze or cough on other people. Colds last about one week. Colds cannot be treated with antibiotics.

There are several signs that a child may have a cold:

• a stuffy, runny nose
• cough
• fussiness
• fever
• isn’t hungry

To make your child more comfortable, you can:

1. Give him plenty of liquids to drink (juice, Kool-Aid®, formula or milk)
2. Put two drops of normal saline (salt water) in each side of his nose. You can buy “saline nasal spray” at the drug store without a prescription.
3. Clear your infant’s nose by using a bulb syringe to gently remove drainage, especially before he eats or goes to sleep. (Most drug stores sell bulb syringes.) Do not blow into the nose.
4. Use a cool mist vaporizer to help your child breathe. Keep the vaporizer out of reach. Empty the vaporizer each morning, and put fresh water in every day. Clean the machine as the manufacturer recommends. 
5. Give your child a bath when he needs one.
6. No smoking in your home or around your child.
7. Encourage all family members to wash their hands frequently.
8. Call your child's doctor for signs of other infections:
   • fever 102° F (38.9° C) that lasts more than two days
   • earache
   • sore throat
   • trouble swallowing
   • vomiting
   • trouble breathing

If your child has any signs of infection or other symptoms that worry you, call your child’s doctor or the Children’s Mercy Information Line, (816) 234-3188.

Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

Kansas City,Missouri                                                       Overland Park,Kansas

Care cards are provided as a public education service. The information does not replace instructions your physician gives you. If you have questions about your child's care, please call your physician.

Estas instruccions son provistas como un servicio educacional. La information no sustituye las instrucciones de su medico. Si tiene preguntas encuanto al duidado de su niño, por favor llame a su medico.