As a parent, you do whatever you can to keep your child healthy and safe. However, even if your child takes an organic baby multivitamin every day, there is a chance he or she will get sick, especially during flu and cold season.
It is common for children to catch the common cold. However, because some of the symptoms also occur with other illnesses, you may be wondering if your child just has a cold or something more serious. Fortunately, there are certain tell-tale signs that indicate it is a simple cold.
What Are The 5 Stages of a Cold?
When looking at facts about the common cold, it may be interesting to know that a cold goes through various phases. Knowing what they are, what symptoms appear, and how long each stage lasts may help you determine if your child has a cold. The stages include:
- Stage 1: This stage generally lasts one to two days, and there are very few, if any, symptoms. Your child may seem more tired or cranky than usual and be less active.
- Stage 2: The second stage is sometimes referred to as progression, as this is when many of the symptoms show up. This stage lasts for one or two days.
- Stage 3: Stage 3 is the peak of the cold. Cough and congestion are pretty bad, and your child likely does not feel like doing much of anything.
- Stage 4: Usually by around day four or five, your child should be starting to feel better. Many of the symptoms, such as a cough, continue to linger, but they are usually milder and on the way out.
- Stage 5: This stage lands at around day 7 and usually lasts for a few days. Your child should be feeling close to normal and will usually be able to resume regular activities.
After two weeks, your child should be free of symptoms and back to normal.
Common Symptoms of a Common Cold
Another way to tell if it is a common cold is to identify the symptoms. Not everyone necessarily has all of the symptoms, but there are certain ones that most people experience:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough and sneezing
- Sore throat
- Mild body aches
- Low-grade fever
Your child will more than likely also feel fatigued and generally unwell.
Options for Managing Symptoms
The good news about a cold is that symptoms usually disappear after 10 to 14 days, and they are rarely serious or life-threatening. There is no medication to cure the illness, so the best thing to do is manage the symptoms so your child is not too uncomfortable. For congestion, place a humidifier in the room or have your child take a steamy shower or bath.
Two important parts of managing symptoms are rest and hydration. Water, decaf teas, and clear broths are good options. By boosting the immune system, you can shorten the duration of the cold and minimize symptoms. Wellements baby products include a variety of vitamins and supplements for various symptoms and issues, and they do not contain artificial ingredients.
