Colds occur more often during the autumn and winter months - but not because the weather is worse. It's because people are cooped up together indoors, making it easier for viruses to spread from one person to another.
Though it can be worrying to see a child in your care sniffly, miserable and uncomfortable, it's normal for children to have six to eight colds a year. Adults have fewer, because they have built up immunity to the viruses.
In general, if the symptoms stay in the ear, nose and throat area, there's usually not much to worry about. But if a child has a cough that persists and then moves to the chest it should be checked out. It could indicate a chest infection, or asthma. Colds can lower a child's resistance to other bacteria and infections.
CAUSE AND CONTAGION
There are 100 to 200 viruses responsible for colds. The most common come from two groups, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Flu, like colds, is also caused by viruses, though different ones are involved.
These viruses are spread from person to person as droplets in the air from sneezing or coughing, or from touching infected surfaces and then transmitting the virus from hand to mouth.
The virus attacks the lining of the nose and throat, causing inflammation of these areas. More mucus is produced, causing a runny nose and sneezing.
SYMPTOMS
One or more of the following symptoms can be present:
* runny nose
* blocked nose
* sore throat
* mild fever
* aches and pains
* sneezing
* sometimes a phlegmy or dry cough.
HELP AT HAND
It's true there is no cure for a comon cold. But you can help relieve a child's symptoms.
* Increase the amount of fluids the child drinks. Warm drinks have a soothing effect.
* Don't starve a cold - children need fluid and nutrients to give them strength to fight the virus.
* A child has a fever if the body temperature is 38xC/100xF or more.
Children's paracetamol (eg Calpol, Disprol) can be given to babies over three months, or Ibuprofen to those over six months. But never give a child under 16 years old aspirin, which can cause a rare but severe neurological disorder called Reye's syndrome. You can also sponge the child with a little tepid water to bring down a fever.
* There's no virture in 'wrapping up warmly'. Dress a child in layers that can be easily removed. When a child has a fever, they need to be cooled down.
* Encourage the child to rest.
* If the child is coughing a lot, raise their head up with an extra pillow.
* Ease congestion with an inhalant decongestant such as Karvol, Vicks VapoRub ointment or Olbas oil. Karvol can be used for babies aged three months and older. You place the contents of a capsule on to a handkerchief tied down out of reach of the child, or on to bedding, again out of reach. You can rub Vicks on a child's chest and back, from the age of six months onwards, but don't put it near or in their mouth or nose.
* A warm bath or wet towel hung on a radiator can boost humidity in a room, and the steam can help ease congestion or relieve a tickly cough. Or fill a bowl with boiling water - but keep it well out of reach of any children - and add drops of Karvol or other similar eucaplyptus, camphor, thymol and pine oil products to the water.
* Your pharmacist can advise on suitable medication to help soothe a cough or sore throat. Over-the-counter medicines can suppress the symptoms but don't cure the cold. Remember, many such medicines already contain paracetamol along with a decongestant and/or antihistamine and/or cough suppressant, so take care not to double up on the dosage. Cough suppressants should only be used with a dry cough, not a productive cough.
Always read the label before giving any medication, and ensure the medicine and dose are recommended for that child's age.
* Babies with a blocked nose may find it difficult to feed. Saline (salt water) drops can help if used just before feeding.
ANTIBIOTICS
Most simple coughs, colds and sore throats are caused by viruses.
Antibiotics won't help, as they only attack bacteria. Furthermore, doctors need to prescribe antibiotics with care - harmful bacteria become resistant to antibiotics if they are prescribed too often.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
* If a baby or child has a fever that is difficult to control, especially if it rises above 39xC (102xF)
* If a baby has difficulty feeding
* If symptoms are severe or unusually prolonged
* If the child has shortness of breath
* If the child is coughing up blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm.
IF YOU'RE NOT SURE
* Ask a pharmacist or the child's doctor for advice, or call NHS Direct for 24-hour telephone advice (England and Wales) on 0845 4647, or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
* The Doctor-Patient Partnership has launched Caring for kids: A self-care guide to childhood ailments. Order a free copy from the Consumer Health Information Centre, tel: 0207 761 1803, or visit www.chic.org.uk.
