What is the 'common cold'?

The common cold is an infection caused by a virus. There are many different viruses that can cause colds.

Colds are very common. Healthy preschool children often catch at least 6 colds per year.

Children are more likely to catch a cold than adults because:

• Children haven't yet been exposed to many viruses, so they have not built up their immunity.
• Children are less careful with good hygiene.
• They have close contact with other children who may be unwell.

Most children catch fewer cold viruses as they get older.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Colds usually cause symptoms such as:

• blocked or runny nose
• sore throat
• coughing
• sneezing
• tiredness

Children may also have:

• fever (high temperature)
• swollen glands in the neck

What causes coughs and colds in children?

Most cough and cold symptoms are caused by viruses. Viruses are easily spread from person to person through droplets from the mouth and nose. These can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

Colds are not caused by:

• getting cold or wet
• going out with wet hair or bare feet

In some cases, cold symptoms can be caused by other conditions. These include:

• bronchiolitis (in younger children) or bronchitis
• whooping cough
• pneumonia
• croup
• COVID-19
• influenza (flu)
• allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

When should I take my child to see a doctor for a cough or a cold?

You should take your child to the doctor if they:

• have a fever and are under 3 months old
• are not improving after 48 hours, or getting worse
• have a cough that continues for more than a few weeks after their illness
• do not want to eat or drink
• are passing less urine or wet nappies than usual

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek medical attention immediately if your child:

• is having trouble breathing
• is breathing much faster than usual
• has 'sucking in' of the skin around their throat, just above their breast bone or between or under their ribs when breathing in
• has pale or bluish skin or lips
• has a seizure (including a febrile seizure), or is floppy

You should also seek urgent medical help if your child has:

• a rash that does not turn skin coloured when pressed
• a headache or a stiff neck
• a high fever

These could be signs of meningococcal disease, which is a medical emergency.

Read more on serious childhood rashes.

How are coughs and colds diagnosed?

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose a cold by examining your child and asking you a few questions.

Sometimes your doctor may refer your child for a swab of their nose to check which virus they have.

How are coughs and colds treated?

Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses and get better on their own. School-aged children usually get better within a week, while younger children can take up to 2 weeks.

Self-care at home

The best treatment for most coughs and colds is rest. If your child is unwell, keep them at home to rest and recover.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated.

Medicines for coughs and colds

Saline nose drops or spray can help a blocked nose.

You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen for headache and general discomfort.

Different types are available, so check the dose instructions on the pack and speak to your pharmacist if you're not sure. Give your child medicines only as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

For children older than 12 months of age, honey can help ease their cough.

Do not give your child decongestant medicines, antihistamines or cough syrups. These medicines do not help children recover from coughs and colds and may be harmful.

Treatments with limited or no evidence

Vitamin supplements are not recommended. They will not treat symptoms of a cold and are not effective for preventing infection. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned or want more information.

Doctors do not generally recommend special diets, or avoiding foods (such as milk) to treat or prevent colds or coughs.

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses, so in most situations, antibiotics will not help your child's cold get better any faster.

What are the complications of coughs and colds?

Most coughs and colds pass with no complications.

In some cases, your child may develop a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, after being sick with a cold virus. A bacterial infection may need treatment with antibiotics.

Can coughs and colds be prevented?

There are things you can do to reduce the spread of infection. These include:

• washing hands and using hand sanitiser, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and before eating
• coughing or sneezing into your elbow
• avoiding sharing utensils and cups with others
• using tissues and throwing them out straight away after use

Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep will also help keep your child healthy.

Keeping your child home from school and other activities when they are sick with a cold can stop them spreading the illness to others.

Some children continue to cough for a few weeks after a cold. This is known as a post-viral cough. If your child has a cough but is otherwise well, check with your doctor if they can attend school.

Learn more about school exclusion periods.

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also request a video call with a maternal child health nurse.

Visit the Royal Children's Hospital for information about childhood illnesses in many community languages.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) in your area.