As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned when your child falls sick. Cold, cough, and fever are common illnesses that infants and toddlers can experience. While most of the time these illnesses are not serious, there are certain warning signs that you should look out for. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when to call the doctor and what warning signs to watch out for.
Cold, Cough, and Fever: What are they?
A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Colds are very common in infants and toddlers and usually go away on their own within a week.
Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, asthma, or infections. In infants and toddlers, a cough is often associated with a cold or respiratory infection.
Fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. In infants and toddlers, a fever is usually a sign of an underlying infection such as a cold, flu, or ear infection.
Warning Signs for Cold, Cough, and Fever in Infants and Toddlers
While most colds, coughs, and fevers in infants and toddlers are not serious, there are certain warning signs that require medical attention. Here are some signs to watch out for:
1. High fever
A fever is considered high if it is above 100.4°F (38°C) in infants under 3 months old or above 104°F (40°C) in toddlers. High fevers can be a sign of a serious infection and require medical attention.
2. Difficulty breathing
If your child is having trouble breathing or is breathing very rapidly, it could be a sign of a serious respiratory infection such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
3. Dehydration
If your child is not drinking enough fluids or is not producing enough wet diapers, it could be a sign of dehydration. Dehydration can be dangerous in infants and toddlers and requires medical attention.
4. Refusal to eat or drink
If your child is refusing to eat or drink, it could be a sign of an underlying illness. Infants and toddlers are at a higher risk of dehydration and malnutrition, so it’s important to seek medical attention if your child is not eating or drinking.
5. Changes in behavior
If your child is unusually irritable, lethargic, or is not responding to your voice or touch, it could be a sign of a serious illness.
When to Call the Doctor
If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, it’s important to call your child’s doctor right away. Additionally, you should also call your child’s doctor if your child has a fever and:
- Is under 3 months old
- Has a fever for more than 72 hours
- Has a fever that is getting worse
- Has a fever and a rash
- Has a fever and is in severe pain
In general, if you are concerned about your child’s health, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call your child’s doctor.
Preventing Cold, Cough, and Fever in Infants and Toddlers
While it’s impossible to completely prevent colds, coughs, and fevers in infants and toddlers, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk:
- Wash your hands regularly and encourage your child to do the same.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep your child away from secondhand smoke.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
- Ensure that your child is up-to-date with their vaccinations.
Conclusion
Colds, coughs, and fevers are common illnesses in
