If your child is
sneezing, coughing, not sleeping, and has a nose that is
running like a faucet, you are not alone. Practically every child will be seen by their pediatrician before their first birthday (and many times afterwards) for a common cold (or “Upper Respiratory Tract Infection”). Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. In addition, the common cold is possibly the most misunderstood childhood illness, so I’d like to take this opportunity to dispel some myths about the common cold. (also learn
when to call your pediatrician for a cold)
Myth 1: “You should have worn your jacket!”
The common cold is an infection. You don’t get it from being in the cold weather, you catch it from someone by touching them, being near them when they cough, or touching something they have touched. The common cold is caused by not just one virus, but a group of viruses (about 60-80 of them), which is why people can catch multiple colds during the same cold season. You don’t actually catch the same cold, but a completely different virus that happens to cause similar symptoms.
Colds are more frequent in the winter because day-care and school aged children pass them around and then bring them home to mom and dad. Certain cold viruses are also more stable in cold weather, and cold season starts when kids go back to school.
Myth 2: “The runny nose has turned green, it must be a sinus infection.”
This is a common misconception. It is actually normal for a runny nose to go from clear to white to yellow to green throughout the course of a cold. As long as the runny nose does not last more than 10-14 days, it’s unlikely that it’s a sinus infection. If your child has a high fever, looks ill, has eye or facial swelling, or is prone to sinus infections, you should contact your doctor.
Myth 3: “It should be over by now, it’s been a week already!”
A common cold can last up to 2 weeks. This is the most common reason why kids are brought into the pediatrician for a cold. If the child is smiling, active, without a fever and otherwise well and the only reason why you are concerned is that you have hit the 7-day mark, give it another 4-7 days and you will likely see the symptoms abate.
Myth 4: “Since it’s an infection, don’t I need antibiotics?”
A common cold is a viral infection, and does not require antibiotics. There are 2 major types of infections, viral and bacterial. Viral infections are more common in children and cause the common cold, common rashes , stomach bugs, and are usually milder in their course. Unfortunately, viral infections (with the exception of the flu) cannot be treated. Bacterial infections tend to be more severe, but fortunately, usually respond to antibiotics. Examples of bacterial infections are ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Antibiotics are only designed to treat bacterial infections and will not alter the course of viral infections. Giving an antibiotic for a viral infection will cause side effects without any benefit, and promote antibiotic resistance.