Children should avoid consuming fish and shrimp during a cold, as these foods are considered stimulating. Children's immune functions are relatively weaker during a cold, leading to symptoms like fever and gastrointestinal discomfort. First, eating fish and shrimp can hinder digestion and absorption in the stomach and intestines, further burdening the gastrointestinal tract during a cold. Furthermore, fish and shrimp are particularly likely to trigger allergic reactions in children, which can occur even under normal circumstances, leading to hives or inducing respiratory difficulties among other allergic responses. Therefore, consuming these foods during a cold could worsen the symptoms and possibly trigger an allergic reaction, which is detrimental to a child's health. It is recommended to focus on a light, easily digestible liquid diet during illness.