Colds are caused by viruses that can be passed from person to person with a sneeze or a cough. Most children have around 10 colds each year in the first one or two years after birth. Most colds are caused by the rhinovirus and there are over 100 strains of this virus reported. Each time children catch a cold, they develop immunity to that strain. By the time children reach 3 or 4 years old, they have already built up their resistance. The number of colds they suffer each year drops to around 6.

Most colds start with a sore throat. Sneezing and nasal congestion may follow. A cough and fever of up to 102° F may develop as well.

The followings are symptoms of a cold:

• Running nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Slight fever
• Loss of appetite

A child usually has a cold for 3 to 5 days. Children’s Coltalin or Children’s Coltalin Cold & Flu can be given to the child to relieve the symptoms. However, if your child is under 2 years old, you should bring your child to see a doctor whenever there is a first sign of illness.

Some More Tips for Cold Relief

• Let your child drink more water or fruit juice. This can help thin the mucus and relieve nasal congestion and sore throat.
• Coughing often gets worse at night. You may try to use a cool mist vaporizer in your child's bedroom to help reduce coughing.
• Doctors may suggest using saline drops to relieve nasal congestion in small children and infants

Tips for Cold Prevention

• Make sure that your child and his or her caregivers wash their hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs
• Teach your child not to share food, utensils and toothbrushes with other children.
• Children like to put plastic toys in their mouths. Do wash and clean those toys frequently.