Cold

When should I see a doctor if I have a cold?

You should seek medical advice if:

your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above, or is between three and six months old and has a temperature of 39C (102.2F) or above
their symptoms last more than three weeks
they seem to be getting worse rather than better
they have chest pain or are coughing up bloodstained phlegm this could be a sign of a bacterial chest infection that needs treatment with antibiotics
they're finding it difficult to breathe seek medical help immediately from your GP surgery or local hospital
they have, or seem to have, severe earache (babies with earache often rub their ears and seem irritable) as they could have an ear infection that may need antibiotic treatment
they have a persistent or severely sore throat they may have bacterial tonsillitis, which needs antibiotic treatment
they develop any other worrying symptoms

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 20 Feb 2018

Articles for cold

When should I see a doctor if I have a cold?

You should seek medical advice if: your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above, their symptoms last more than three weeks, they seem to be getting worse rather than better, etc.

Why won't my doctor prescribe antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Colds are caused by viruses, so do not respond to antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacterial infections become less easily treatable.

What can I do to help my child when having a cold?

The following tips may help your child cope with the symptoms of a cold: encourage your child to rest and make sure they drink plenty of fluids, liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease a fever, a warm, moist atmosphere can ease breathing, etc.

Introduction

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It's very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two. Colds are also more frequent during the winter, although it's not clear exactly why.

Symptoms of a cold

The symptoms of a cold include a strep throat, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, etc. They usually develop within a few days of becoming infected. The symptoms are usually at their worst during the first two to three days, before they gradually start to improve.

How to treat a cold

You can manage cold symptoms yourself by following some simple advice . You'll normally start to feel better within 7 to 10 days. The main medications used to treat cold symptoms are painkillers, decongestants and cold medicines.

Complications of colds

Colds usually clear up without causing any further problems. However, the infection can sometimes spread to your chest, ears or sinuses. Like sinusitis, middle ear infection and chest infection.

Is my child's cold serious?

Young children get colds quite often because their immune system is still developing. It can be worrying when your child gets a cold, but it's not usually serious and normally passes within two weeks.

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