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The Common Cold
Most often caused by rhinovirus, colds are the most common infectious disease in the U.S. A cold is typically contagious during the first two to four days after symptoms begin, and for up to three weeks. It is easily spread by person-to-person contact or by person-to-surface contact ... and preventing its spread is one of the primary reasons that frequent and thorough handwashing is so important.
Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Scratchy throat
- May include sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and or thick green/yellow mucus.
Treatment
Medicine will not cure a cold, but it may help relieve your child's muscle aches, headache, and fever. You can try acetaminophen or ibuprofen - just be sure to read the label for recommendations based on age and/or weight.
Ask your healthcare provider about symptoms to watch for that may require medical care. In addition: Never give cold medicine to a child under the age of 12 without direct instructions from your healthcare provider, and never give aspirin to a child with a cold.
Read more about treatment and prevention of Colds & Flu.