Red flags & when to go in person for Common Cold in Children

Audience: pediatric

The common cold is a frequent illness in children, usually causing symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and mild fever. Most colds improve on their own within one to two weeks. Telemedicine can help families understand symptoms and manage care at home. However, certain warning signs, or red flags, mean a child should be seen in person by a healthcare provider promptly. These include difficulty breathing, very high fever, dehydration, or symptoms lasting longer than expected. This guide explains when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a telemedicine visit. It also offers advice on caring for children with colds and answers common questions. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for urgent or emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 3 days — see healthcare provider in person.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very few wet diapers — seek prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate cold symptoms.
• Advice on symptom management and home care.
• Answering questions about common cold in children.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties or respiratory distress.
• High fever persisting beyond a few days.
• Signs of dehydration or inability to take fluids.
• Need for physical examination or diagnostic testing.
• Emergency or life-threatening conditions.

What is the Common Cold in Children?

The common cold is a mild viral infection affecting the nose and throat. Children often catch colds multiple times a year. Symptoms usually include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Most colds last about 7 to 10 days and improve without special treatment.

When to Seek In-Person Care for Your Child

While many colds are mild, some signs mean you should take your child to see a healthcare provider in person or visit an emergency room:

These symptoms may indicate complications or other illnesses needing prompt evaluation.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult healthcare providers remotely using video or phone calls. For common colds, telemedicine can:

It is a convenient way to get medical advice without traveling, especially when symptoms are mild or moderate.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Common Cold

Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or tests that require in-person visits. It may not be suitable if your child has severe symptoms or needs urgent care. If your child shows any red flags or if the provider feels an examination or tests are needed, you will be advised to seek in-person care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep emergency numbers handy and do not hesitate to get urgent care if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child’s symptoms and when they started.
• Have recent temperatures recorded with a thermometer.
• Note any medications or treatments your child is using.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine call.
• Have your child nearby during the visit if possible.
• Write down any questions you want to ask the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any changes.
• Give fluids regularly to prevent dehydration.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care if red flags appear.
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.

FAQs

Can a common cold turn into something more serious in children?

Yes, while most colds are mild, sometimes complications like ear infections, sinus infections, or pneumonia can develop. Watch for worsening symptoms or new signs like difficulty breathing or high fever, and seek medical care if these occur.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Ensure your child rests and drinks plenty of fluids. Use a humidifier or saline nasal drops to ease congestion. Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, but always follow dosing instructions and consult your healthcare provider.

When should I call a doctor instead of waiting?

Call a healthcare provider if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, signs of dehydration, severe pain, or symptoms lasting longer than 10 days without improvement.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child’s cold?

Telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to get advice for mild to moderate cold symptoms. However, it cannot replace in-person exams when your child has severe symptoms or needs tests. Providers will guide you if in-person care is necessary.

Sources

1. Common Cold - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Common Cold - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Common Cold - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Colds and Flu in Children - American Academy of Pediatrics — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.