Medications may help relieve symptoms, but it’s important to know that any child younger than 4 should not be given over-the-counter medications to treat coughs, runny nose or congestion.
For kids 4 to 12 years of age, you’ll want to speak with your family doctor first. Don’t give kids medication containing codeine.
Serious side-effects like slowed or difficult breathing could happen. Instead, I’d recommend saline nasal drops to loosen mucus, a cool-mist humidifier to moisten nasal passages, and chicken soup to loosen respiratory secretions.
Acetaminophen like children’s Tylenol may also help decrease discomfort.
Take your child to see a doctor if their symptoms last more than 10 days, are severe or worsen over time, or if their fever lasts for more than two days.
Get medical attention quickly if your child has any wheezing, trouble breathing, ear pain, or if they’re unusually drowsy or extremely fussy.
Also, don’t wait if you have a newborn under 12 weeks old that develops a fever of 100.4 or higher.
