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Children catch a cold up to 12 times a year – twice as many as adults. If you’re confused about how to treat a cold – or don’t know how to help your baby avoid infection – you’re not alone. We invite you to read our compendium of knowledge about colds in a child.
The causes of a cold in a child – we debunk a common myth
Colds are caused by many types of viruses (up to 200 different types are said), but by far the most common cause are rhinoviruses, which are responsible for up to 90 percent. all colds. Viruses spread through direct contact with a cold person or through droplets – especially when a person coughs or sneezes.
Contrary to popular belief, any contact with cold does not cause colds, but the fact is that colds are more common in the fall, winter and early spring months. This is because we spend a lot of time in confined spaces, which promotes the spread of the virus. The significantly reduced humidity is also important – dry nasal mucosa is more susceptible to infections during this period. [1]
Why Do Children Get Cold So Much?
Children catch an average of six to eight colds a year, and younger children may catch a cold even more often – the norm is to fall ill even 12 times a year. The frequency of colds also varies depending on the age of the child – most colds occur in the first two years of a child’s life.
Children are particularly at risk of catching a cold because they do not have a fully developed and structured immune system like adults. Over time, the immune system, after contact with viruses, knows how to fight them and the child catches a cold much less frequently. A 2002 study published in the Archives of Adolescent and Pediatric Medicine found that children who attended nurseries in their first years of life had fewer colds, possibly because they had developed immunity to most viruses that caused colds. [2]
What are the first symptoms of a cold in a child?
When the virus enters the child’s body, it causes a reaction – the body’s immune system starts fighting foreign microbes. Symptoms of a cold begin one to three days after a child comes into contact with the common cold virus and last for two to 14 days. Symptoms may be slightly different for each child, but most children with a cold develop a cough and runny nose – initially transparent, clear, then thickening, yellow, and sometimes green. It is worth remembering because, contrary to popular belief, the color of the discharge does not indicate the etiology of the infection.
Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex our body needs to clear mucus and keep the main airways open during a cold or upper respiratory infection. Your cough may last for a week or two after the other symptoms of a cold have disappeared, but this is perfectly normal. Occasionally, there is also a fever of up to 38 degrees Celsius, but this is not always the case.
Sore throats, hoarseness, irritability, difficulty sleeping and decreased appetite are also common. Symptoms may worsen in the first few days (usually peak on day three or five) and then gradually begin to subside.
Cold, flu or maybe an allergy? How to distinguish a cold from other diseases?
The common cold is often confused with the flu, but they are different infections caused by other viruses. It can be difficult (and sometimes even impossible) to tell the difference between the common cold and the flu, but it’s important to know what the basic differences are. For one thing, colds usually come on slowly and symptoms are milder. The first symptom is often pain, a scratchy throat, followed by a runny nose and sneezing.
Flu symptoms come on quickly and tend to get worse. Other common symptoms of flu are dry cough, runny nose, chills, sore throat, severe headache and pain in the eyes. The flu also tends to cause chills and muscle aches throughout the body. Importantly, colds almost always go away without complications, and flu can lead to other, more serious illnesses and complications, such as pneumonia.
How, in turn, is a cold different from an allergy? In the course of allergies, a runny nose appears suddenly, is much more bothersome and usually more watery. Moreover, the temperature is not elevated, but the eyes are often red and watery. Allergy symptoms usually depend on the weather, but it is not always the case. There is a belief that inhalation allergens appear mainly in the spring, but trees, shrubs and other plants can be pollinated from the end of January until October. [3]
When to start fighting a cold? Effective help in the fight against colds
Since colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, antibiotics are not helpful and can be very harmful to young patients. Fear of complications is not enough reason to prescribe antibiotics for the common cold. An antibiotic will also not prevent a bacterial infection.
A cold is a self-limiting disease, and we can only help a child by providing effective symptomatic treatment. While the common cold is not pleasant, it is generally not a cause for concern. Most babies recover within a week, although in some cases it may take longer.
When the first signs of a cold appear, it is worth reaching for proven, natural products to alleviate bothersome symptoms as much as possible. The fight against colds will be supported by Pelavo Med syrup – an OTC drug available over the counter, which can be used in children from the age of six. Pelavo Med combines the power of natural plant ingredients with the achievements of medicine, which allow the standardization of natural plant extracts. Its composition includes high-quality standardized African geranium root extract, the effect of which has been confirmed in over 20 clinical trials. Pelavo Med does not contain unnecessary substances such as sorbitol, maltitol, sucrose or sodium benzoate.
Rest is also necessary, which helps the immune system to fight viral infections more effectively – in the “bed-pajama” version, not “sweat-sofa” version. It is also important for your child to drink plenty of fluids. Remember that strong tea and sweetened sodas can dehydrate you, so avoid them. A healthy, properly balanced diet, full of healthy vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, is also of great importance. [4]