What if my child’s cold seems serious?

Answered on 11th January 2016

In general, a cold should not keep you or your child from going about your normal routine. Cold symptoms usually last for about a week but get better over the period of a few days. The most common symptoms include sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing. Younger children and children with a cough can have symptoms that last up to a few weeks. If you’re concerned, get in touch with your GP.

You should contact your GP when:

• Your baby is less than three months old and has a temperature over 38°C

• Their symptoms last more than 10 days

• They have difficulty breathing

• They have nasal pain after two to four days of treatment

• They have a severe earache

• They have throat pain for more than three or four days, or the pain seems unusually bad

• Other symptoms develop, like pain or swelling in face or chest, or a headache

• Their symptoms are getting worse, rather than better