There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Children tend to pick up between three and eight of them a year.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include a cough; sneezing/runny nose; a sore throat, headache and earache.

What are the treatment options?

There are a number of steps that can help infants:

• Make sure they drink plenty of fluids and have plenty of rest
• If the child has a fever and appears distressed, they can be given an appropriate child dose of ibuprofen or paracetamol
• If a child under six years has a cough, a simple cough mixture containing ingredients such as honey and lemon or glycerol may be suitable (examples: CalCough Infant Syrup, Tixylix Baby). Other medicines are available for children aged six to 12 years. These can only be sold in pharmacies, with attention drawn to the advice on pack and under the supervision of a pharmacist
• Vapour rubs (examples: Vicks Vaporub, Snufflebabe) and inhalant decongestants (example: Olbas Oil for Children) can help to relieve a blocked nose. For babies, saline drops or spray (examples: Calpol Soothe and Care, Stérimar Baby) can help make breathing easier when feeding.