Signs It's Time to See Your Child's Pediatrician About a Cold

Learn the telltale symptoms that should have you picking up the phone and scheduling an appointment with your child’s pediatrician.

Every year between the months of October and May is cold and flu season. While the cold or flu can happen at any point throughout the year, these months usually produce the highest prevalence of these annoying viruses. Each year spells millions of common cold cases in the US alone. While adults typically experience about two to three colds a year, children experience even more. Find out if your child’s symptoms are indicative of a cold, and when your child should see their pediatrician.

Symptoms of a Cold

The common cold causes a host of symptoms that can manifest differently in everyone;however, the most traditional symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Coughing

Most people will experience a full recovery from their cold symptoms with a week to 10 days;however, children and adults with compromised immune systems or other respiratory disorders like asthma can develop more serious complications like pneumonia, so it’s important to monitor them to make sure their symptoms don’t get worse.

Common Cold Treatment

No one likes to think about it but unfortunately the common cold doesn’t have a cure. However, there are certainly things you can do to ease your child’s symptoms. Be sure that any over­-the-counter cold medications you use are followed exactly as directed to prevent further issues. If you are unsure about any medications talk to your pediatrician first about whether it’s right for your child. This is highly recommended as many OTC cold medicines contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for children.

When to See Your Pediatrician

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms then it’s time to call your pediatrician:

  • A fever over 100.4 degrees F
  • Symptoms that last more than 10 days
  • Symptoms that seem severe or odd

Also, if you have a little one that is under three months old who has developed a fever, this also warrants a call to your pediatrician.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms or something just doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts! Call our office right away and schedule an appointment. Let’s get your little one feeling better!

Questions or Comments?

At Harvest Pediatrics, we encourage you to contact us whenever you have a concern or question related to your care.
You can reach us at:


Napa: (707) 252-1076
St. Helena: (707) 963-0171

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Closed daily between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM for lunch.

Napa Office

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

St. Helena Office

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed