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
