Colds, flu and other respiratory infections
Colds, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are respiratory infections that children can catch.
Children with a respiratory infection may have one or more symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat. They may also have a stuffy or runny nose. Some children may develop a fever, or be more tired or irritable.
It’s often hard for parents to know which respiratory infection their child has because the symptoms are similar. Deciding what to do depends on your child’s age and general condition.
What to do
Respiratory infections are generally caused by viruses and will go away on their own, unless there are complications.
You can let your child continue their normal play and activities if they feel well enough. They may also need to rest.
Make sure they drink enough.
If your child has a fever, see What to do if your child has a fever.
If they have a stuffed-up or runny nose, see Stuffed-up or runny nose. For a sore throat, see Sore throat, and for a cough, see Cough.
Respiratory infections are contagious. There are several ways to reduce the risk of catching or transmitting an infection (see Preventing infections).
When to consult a health professional
See a doctor right away if your child shows any of the following signs:
- They have difficulty breathing, wheezing, noisy or rapid breathing.
- They have chest retractions (the skin pulls in between and under the ribs).
See a doctor if your child shows any of the following signs:
- Their fever or cough requires medical attention (see Cough – When to consult a health professional and Fever – What to do if your child has a fever).
- You are concerned about your child’s overall health.
Good to know…
Vaccines or preventive treatments are available to protect children from certain respiratory infections. For more information, see the Vaccination section.
Using a humidifier is no longer recommended. Harmful mold can develop if the humidity is too high or the device is poorly maintained. If water droplets form on your windows, this is often a sign of too much humidity.
Health Canada advises against giving cough and cold medications (syrups, suppositories, etc.) to children under the age of 6. They are not effective and can be dangerous for children of this age.