Can babies take medicine when they have a cold?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

Updated on April 03, 2025

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Babies can certainly take medicine when they have a cold. However, if the symptoms are mild and the general condition is good, and the baby can eat and sleep well, it might not be necessary to medicate. It's important to pay close attention and there might be a possibility of natural recovery without medication.

If the symptoms of the cold are severe, it is necessary to take medicine, because if it is not controlled in time, it may lead to new infections. For example, a secondary bacterial infection could develop, and there is also a possibility that a cold in the upper respiratory tract could progress to the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, which poses a significant risk. When choosing medications, we generally need to opt for those safe for infants, and avoid any medications contraindicated for infants.

(The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Can air conditioning cause a fever?

Air conditioning cold, also known as in the hot summer due to staying in air-conditioned rooms for a long time without timely ventilation, and the air conditioning temperature being set too low, over time, will inevitably cause some clinical discomfort symptoms. Typically, if the temperature is too low, it generally causes symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, and even some gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it is very common for patients with air conditioning cold to experience fever symptoms. As long as the diagnosis is clear and timely symptomatic treatment is provided, the fever symptoms caused by air conditioning cold can also be effectively controlled.

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How long will the symptoms of a cold last?

The duration of cold symptoms varies depending on individual constitution and the type of cold. Generally, a common cold may take three to five days to recover, while influenza could require five to ten days. The specific duration depends on the quantity of the virus and the body's immune capacity. Both influenza and the common cold are viral infections that cause illness, and there are some differences in symptoms. However, the treatment plans are the same, focusing on symptomatic treatment, complemented by antiviral medication, with recommendations to drink plenty of water, rest, and boost metabolism.

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How long will a cold with a runny nose last?

The symptoms of a cold with a runny nose generally recover within seven to ten days. A runny nose during a cold is usually caused by a viral infection. For viral colds, the condition of the patient is generally self-limiting. The natural course of the illness is usually seven to ten days, so the symptoms of a runny nose usually recover within this timeframe. However, for patients with a cold, there is often also a symptom of coughing. Although in most cases, the cough also eases within seven to ten days, some patients with colds may experience persistent coughing symptoms that can even last for one to two months. This condition is referred to as post-cold cough or post-infectious cough.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

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What to do if a baby catches a cold?

When a child catches a cold, it's important to consider their specific symptoms. If the cold lasts no more than three days and the child is in good spirits, you can treat them with anti-viral and heat-clearing Chinese patent medicines. Their diet should be light and easy to digest, and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If the baby is exclusively breastfed and under six months old, the mother should ensure a balanced diet, consume easily digestible foods, and avoid overly greasy or spicy foods. If the child's cold persists for more than three days and symptoms like cough with phlegm appear, it's necessary to bring the child to the hospital for timely tests, such as a complete blood count and C-reactive protein, to rule out bacterial infections and provide appropriate treatment based on the child's condition. For infants with a cold, considering their underdeveloped organ functions and weaker immunity, even a common cold can easily lead to secondary viral or bacterial infections, potentially causing severe diseases like pneumonia. Therefore, it's best to take the child to the pediatric outpatient clinic for assessment and targeted treatment. If it’s inconvenient to visit a doctor, consider that most colds are caused by viruses, such as respiratory or enteroviruses. Therefore, you might treat the child at home with antiviral Chinese patent medicines and symptom-specific supportive treatments. It's also crucial to manage their diet well, as digestive functions can be compromised during a cold. Thus, meals should be small and frequent, and it's advisable to avoid hard-to-digest and potentially allergenic foods to prevent exacerbating symptoms. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to alleviate the symptoms of a cold?

Cold refers to the condition where the upper respiratory tract is infected by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, leading to symptoms primarily in the upper respiratory tract, which is called a cold. Generally, the symptoms of a cold mainly include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, chills, fever, cough, and painful throat. In addition, there may be symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. As it stands, the symptoms of a cold are self-limiting, meaning they can generally improve within seven to ten days without medical treatment. During a cold, due to frequent symptoms and impact on daily life, it is possible to treat with common cold medicines. Currently, Western medicines available on the market can treat cold symptoms. Furthermore, drinking some brown sugar ginger tea to induce sweating can also provide relief. (Please use medication rationally under the guidance of a professional doctor, and do not use medication blindly.)