- Blocked or runny nose (mucous)
- Cough
- Fever
- Red eyes
- Reduced appetite
- Less energy than normal
URTIs are commonly spread among young children at daycare or from siblings at home. Each infection helps build your child’s immunity.
Cough and Colds
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are extremely common in children and youth and are often called the “common cold.” They affect the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is normal for children under five years old to have many URTIs each year as their immune system develops often as many as 12 URTIs in one year.
What you need to know
- URTIs are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own.
- Antibiotics do not help most URTIs.
- Symptoms usually improve within 7–10 days, but cough can last up to three weeks.
Need Help Right Now?
URTIs are diagnosed based on symptoms and physical exams. Tests are usually not needed.
Most URTI symptoms can be treated at home. Treatment focuses on comfort and helping your child feel better while their body fights the virus.
- Most symptoms improve within 7–10 days.
- Cough may last up to three weeks.
Do not give:
- Cough and cold medicines to children under six years old
- Aspirin® (ASA)
Aftercare / What to do at home
Congestion:
- URTIs often start with clear mucous that may become thicker or yellow/green. This is normal.
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Saline drops and rinses can help loosen mucous. Use two to three drops in each nostril, especially before feeding or sleeping.
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- Nasal aspirators (“snot suckers”) such as Hydrasense® or NoseFrida® can be used after saline drops.
- Raising the head of the bed to about 30 degrees may help breathing. Use a wedge under the mattress for children under 18 months. For older children, a wedge or extra pillow may help.
Cough:
Cough is often the last symptom to go away and may last up to three weeks.
- Do not give cough and cold medicines to children under six years old due to possible side effects.
- For children over one year old, undiluted honey (one teaspoon before bed and during nighttime coughing) may help.
- Gargling warm salt water or using throat lozenges may help older children.
- Keep your home smoke free.
Sore throat and poor appetite
- A reduced appetite is common. Drinking fluids is more important than eating during illness.
- Offer fluids with calories such as milk, juice, Pedialyte®, or popsicles.
- Throat pain can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen using the dosing guide.
Fever medicines:
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can make your child more comfortable by lowering fever slightly.
- Most children will not need both medications.
- Try ibuprofen first, as it works better for most children.
- Use acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen if your child has chicken pox.
- Try acetaminophen if your child does not improve one hour after ibuprofen.
Always dose based on your child’s weight, not age. Check the concentration carefully.
Contact your family doctor if your child or youth:
- Has a fever for more than five days
- Is not drinking enough fluids
- Develops a new fever or has obvious ear pain
- The cough lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
Go to the Emergency Department if your child or youth:
- Is under three months old and has a fever
- Is very irritable or sleepy and does not improve with medicine
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has signs of dehydration (dry mouth, not peeing at least every eight hours)
- Has a headache or sore neck that does not go away with fever or pain medicine
Disclaimer
These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have questions, speak with your health care provider. Last updated: June 2026
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