What are the symptoms of viral colds in children?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Symptoms of viral cold in children include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough with phlegm, fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat. When having a cold, it is important to rest first, avoid strenuous exercise, and allow the body to focus its resources on the functioning of the immune system. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as all immune mechanisms rely on sufficient water. Drinking more water leads to more urination, which increases the excretion of water-soluble vitamins, so it is necessary to adequately supplement water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B. Fruits and vegetables are preferred. Additionally, symptomatic medication treatment should be applied.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How can a child recover quickly from a cold?

Children's colds are mostly viral infections, and viral infections can heal themselves. Therefore, when a child catches a cold, we should first let the child rest plenty, drink lots of water, and ensure they get enough sleep. If the child has noticeable cold symptoms, you can give them cold granules for symptomatic treatment of the cold. Also, maintain indoor air humidity, and keep the home temperature appropriate, generally between 18-23℃, with about 60% humidity. Under these conditions, a child's cold can recover quickly. Do not let children in contact with adults who have a cold during their cold period, do not let children play outside, and certainly do not allow children to engage in strenuous activities. (Please follow your doctor's medical advice regarding medicines.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How to determine whether a child's cold is caused by a virus or bacteria

When determining whether a child's cold is caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection, you can take the child to the hospital for a routine blood test. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection. Combined with the routine blood test, if there is an increase in white blood cell count and neutrophil count, it usually indicates a bacterial infection. If the white blood cell count is normal, or low, along with an increase in lymphocyte count or percentage, it usually indicates a viral infection. Alternatively, combining this with a C-reactive protein test, if the C-reactive protein level significantly multiplies, then it indicates a bacterial infection.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What foods are good for children with a cold?

Children's colds are acute upper respiratory infections, and children can have rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc. Most are caused by viral infections and are self-limiting. Therefore, during a cold, it is important to ensure that the child drinks plenty of water, rests a lot, eats more green vegetables, and supplements some vitamins. The diet should be light and easy to digest, avoiding heavy meals with large fish and meat, as well as snacks, sweets, and even puffed food. It is very helpful for the recovery from a cold to eat more fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. Also, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest are very important.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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What fruits are good for children to eat when they have a cold?

During a cold, babies generally have reduced appetite. At this time, it is appropriate to supplement some fruits for the baby, which can enhance the baby's appetite, aid in digestion, and provide a significant amount of vitamin C and calories. It can also enhance the baby's resistance and immunity, promoting recovery from the illness. For example, eating more apples, pears, bananas, grapefruits, oranges, and other fruits that are rich in vitamin C and are bright in color and sweet in taste, which are favored by babies. However, during the process of feeding fruits to a baby, it is essential to adopt a method of eating small meals frequently. Try to avoid giving the baby raw, cold food and do not overfeed as it might lead to poor digestion. Furthermore, it is best not to feed the baby foods that are likely to cause allergies, as this can affect the baby's digestive absorption functions.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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The Difference between a Cold and the Flu in Children

Epidemic influenza and the common cold have different pathogens for children. The main cause of epidemic influenza is the influenza virus or parainfluenza virus, meaning that the cold is caused by one or both of these viruses. This condition is called influenza. On the other hand, the common cold can be caused by many viruses, such as rhinovirus or coronavirus, and includes the influenza virus among others. Therefore, the pathogens are different; about 90% of common colds are caused by viruses.