NAVIGATING COLD AND COUGH SEASON
Cough and cold season is upon us, and for parent of young children, it might feel like “happy cold and flu season!” is a more appropriate greeting than “happy holidays!” We know how hard and exhausting it is to be the home-nurse caring for littles who aren’t always the nicest, most cooperative patients. But there are some ways to make caring for your little patients easier.
When to Call Your Provider
When deciding whether to call the doctor's office, here is my rule of thumb: if you’re going to lose sleep being anxious over what you are observing in your child, call the office. The pediatric discipline in medicine is a parent-provider collaboration. While the provider is the medical professional, the parent is in the home observing the behaviors and symptoms in the child. You are the expert on your child. The full picture of what is going on and the quickest way to solutions and meeting the medical needs of the child happens when the provider and caregiver work together, sharing information about each situation and symptom. That is why we love the direct primary care model in which you can reach your doctor directly to review your child’s symptoms and get expert advice.
Almost all of the time, this is the information you can expect:
Your child is ok right now
The child has normal symptoms for this virus
A timeline for expected healing
What to do if things change
Ways to keep the child comfortable
Symptoms to watch out for
If your doctor is concerned enough about your child’s symptoms, they will have you come into the office for evaluation. If there is respiratory distress, dehydration, or other serious concerns, they will direct you for more urgent evaluation. Thankfully, that is uncommon for otherwise healthy children.
Most cold viruses do not need medical attention and run their course in around 7 to 10 days. Often in children, cold viruses come with low to moderate fevers. Sneezing, coughing and ample amounts of mucus are all normal. A cough can last as long as 4 to 6 weeks after a virus. If your child is otherwise feeling better and the cough is gradually improving, a cough does not need medical attention. However, if your child’s fever persists after 5 days, it might mean a secondary infection has developed and needs medical assessment. If your child can’t keep anything down or won’t eat or drink any fluids, call your provider. If it hurts to swallow, there is ear pain, a stiff neck or a cough that is not getting better or is getting worse, call your provider.
We know it’s hard to see your child sick and we have more to offer on this topic. Part two of cough and cold season will address illness management and tips for helping your child feel more comfortable.
Stay tuned…