Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. The fever usually lasts for 2-3 days, and the congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The cough may last 3 weeks.

The typical young child may experience 6-10 colds per year.

Treatments can usually be done with saline and pain relievers as needed. Children over a year can use honey for cough. See our cough and colds page for more tips on home management.

Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, asthma attack, or other complications, such as long covid.If you are concerned about the possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.