Colds & Flu: When To See A Doctor  

 

What is an upper respiratory tract infection? Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are extremely common — that's why they're often called the "common cold". They're so common in fact that it's normal for children under five years old to have as many as 12 URTIs in one year.  

 

URTIs cause symptoms in the nose, throat and sinuses. Typical URTI symptoms include:

• blocked or runny nose (mucous)

• cough

• fever

• red eyes

• reduced appetite

• less energy than normal  

 

In most cases, you don’t need to see your doctor when you have the cold or flu. See a physician if:

• You have a fever of 38.5°C for more than 48 hours

• You have chest pain, shortness of breath

• You have had coughing spells or coloured sputum

• If you have a persistent sore throat or swollen glands and neck  

 

When to bring your child in:

• the fever lasts more than four days

• your child isn't managing to drink enough fluids

• your child develops a new fever or has obvious ear pain

• their cough lasts more than 2-3 weeks  

 

Visit CHEO Emergency Department if your child or youth:

• is under three months and has a fever

• is very irritable or sleepy and doesn't improve with medicine

• has difficulty breathing

• has signs of dehydration (dry mouth, not peeing at least every eight hours)

• has a headache or sore neck that doesn't go away with fever or pain medicine

• Hydrasense and Nose frieda are brands that make nasal aspirators ("snot sucker")  

 

These are guidelines only. If for any other reason you feel that further attention is necessary, contact us at 613-526-5200 for an appointment.  

 

There is no cure for the common cold. All you can do to feel better is treat the symptoms while your body fights off the virus. For the flu, your doctor will probably recommend that you treat the symptoms until you feel better. Most coughs, earaches, sinus congestion and sore throats get better at home without antibiotics. Most of the symptoms will improve in 7 to 10 days. Remember that a cough can last up to three weeks.  

 

To reduce the symptoms, we would suggest that you follow these guidelines:

• Get plenty of rest, especially with a fever. Rest helps your body fight infection.

• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, which can make symptoms worse.

• Drink lots of fluids such as water and clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important because they prevent dehydration.

• Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Use saline (saltwater) nose drops or spray to help loosen the mucus and moisten the skin in your nose.