Viral infections which cause cold & flu symptoms are very common in babies & children & are usually nothing to worry about
Cold or flu symptoms are considered common in children and babies. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses, and young children will have no immunity to any of them as they’ve never had them before.
So, it’s normal for a child to have around eight or more colds a year. Gradually, as they become older, they will build up immunity and get fewer colds.
Most babies and children will make a full recovery from a cold or the flu without treatment, but there are some things that may help them feel better.
What are the symptoms of cold & flu?
The most common symptoms in babies include:
• A fever of 37.5°C or above
• Breathlessness
• Rapid breathing
• A cough
• Not taking usual feeds
• Not having their usual wet or dirty nappies
Symptoms in children may also include:
• A runny nose
• A blocked nose
• Sneezing
If your child is alert and behaving normally (continues to play) then it’s unlikely that they’re seriously ill.
What causes cold & flu symptoms in children & babies?
Cold and flu symptoms are normally caused by a viral infection. The most common are:
• A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Influenza (flu)
• Rhinovirus
• Adenovirus
Most of the time, these viral infections don’t lead to serious illness. There are some conditions that also cause cold and flu symptoms and can require further treatment, such as pneumonia or tonsilitis in toddlers and older children.
Treating cold & flu symptoms in babies & children
There is no specific treatment for a colds or flu, symptoms will usually get better without treatment, but there are things that can help your child feel more comfortable.
You can:
• Speak to your pharmacist about over the counter remedies that may be suitable
• Consider age-appropriate infant paracetamol or ibuprofen, if it’s suitable
• Encourage them to drink more fluids
Often your child will develop a cough when they have a cold, and this usually isn’t something to worry about. Coughing will help them clear any mucus from the back of their throat. If they’re over one, you can give them a warm drink of lemon and honey to help soothe. If they’re wheezing, have a high temperature, feel hot and shivery or have stopped feeding or drinking normally, or the cough lasts longer than three weeks, see a GP.
If they have a sore throat, you can consider giving them an age-appropriate pain medicine to help relieve the pain. Most sore throats tend to get better on their own after a few days, but if they have a sore throat for more than four days, plus a high temperature and are generally unwell, take them to see a GP.
To help prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses to the rest of your family, make sure to help your child wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water. Clean surfaces regularly and put used tissues in the bin once they’ve been used. If your child goes to nursery or school, keep them at home until they’re feeling better.
Don’t:
• Try and reduce their fever by undressing them
• Sponge them with water
• Give aspirin to children under 16
• Give honey to babies under one
You may also wish to consider the flu vaccination. In some UK countries, secondary school children in certain year groups are eligible for a free flu jab from the NHS as part of the childhood vaccination programme, which is usually provided at school. Boots also offers the flu jab for 11 – 15 year olds at selected stores as part of the private Winter Flu Jab Service*. For more information on eligibility and availability of the flu jab for your child, read more in our online resource.
Phone your GP or call 111 if your baby or child:
• Is less than three months old and their temperature is 38°C or above
• Is three months or older and has a temperature of 39°C or above
• Has less wet nappies or nappies that seem drier than usual
• Has a dry nappy for 12 hours or more
• Is having difficulty feeding
• Took less than half their usual amount during their last two or three feeds
• Is showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Isn’t getting better after a few days
Phone 999 or go to A&E if your child:
• Stops breathing or has pauses in their breathing
• Has severe difficulty breathing, such as a grunting or noisy breathing
• Looks seriously unwell – for example very pale or has mottling (pale patchy skin with a purple tinge) on their arms, legs or body
• Isn’t showing normal colour of skin, lips and tongue (very pale, blue or purple)
• Isn’t awake and can’t be wakened, or is very difficult to waken
• Is breathing rapidly, even when resting
If you’re very concerned about their wellbeing, trust your instincts and phone your GP for their opinion.
