MARCH-APRIL , 2022 | THE HEALTH

BY DR DIANA OSMAN

The newborns are at higher risk for colds and other infections for the first four to six weeks , because the baby ’ s immune systems aren ’ t fully matured . All babies are born with some immunity to illness , but it takes time for babies ’ immune system to fully develop and mature to fight the germs .

Viruses or germs cause common colds . A common cold is a viral infection of the baby ’ s nose and throat , showing signs of a cold . Babies are likely to get common colds as they are yet to develop immunity to common infections .

How do babies catch a cold ? The common cold is caused by viruses that are spread through skin-to-skin contact , droplets transmission from coughs or sneezes and contact with an object that ’ s been contaminated . i . Colds spread through person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles , which can travel up to 12 feet through the air when someone with cold coughs or sneezes . ii . It also lands on surfaces such as toys and tables . Therefore , when babies touch these surfaces and put their hands in their mouths , they give the cold virus an easy entry route . iii . Babies also often pick up colds at daycare . When a sick baby at daycare coughs or sneezes , the droplets carrying cold viruses from the cough or sneeze may reach another baby ’ s nose or mouth . iv . They can also catch it from older brothers and sisters who bring the virus home from school or from grown-ups who shook hands with someone who carries the cold viruses

What is the common cold in babies ? It is called the ‘ common ’ cold because many healthy children have eight to 10 colds and other viral infections in the first two years of life . That is because their developing immune systems are not able to protect them yet from viruses

There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold . The rhinovirus is the most common one , but others include coronavirus , parainfluenza , adenovirus , enterovirus , and respiratory syncytial viruses . Common cold symptoms usually are mild . They often include a tickly throat , a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing . They may have a low-grade fever . A baby with a cold usually feels quite well and has a good appetite and normal energy levels .

What are the symptoms of cold in a baby ? The first signs of the common cold in a baby are often : A congested or runny nose . Nasal discharge may be clear at first but might thicken and turn yellow or green .

Other symptoms include a fever , sneezing , coughing , decreased appetite , irritability , difficulty sleeping and trouble nursing or taking a bottle due to nasal congestion .

How long does a cold last in babies ? The typical cold usually lasts for seven to 10 days . Some do extend up to 14 days . The incubation period for a cold is between one and four days . It is typically most contagious a day or two before symptoms appear but can be passed along when the

cold is already underway . Once the runny nose dries up , it is less contagious .

How does a cold start in a baby ? During the first three days , they may seem fussier than usual with a low-grade fever and a slight decrease in appetite . They may also start to have runny nose with clear mucus ( usually begins on day two or three ). The fever usually subsides during the middle phase of a cold , but the mucus thickens and may turn light yellow . This causes nasal congestion or a “ blocked nose ” in a baby .

The baby will start to develop a cough due to the mucus dripping down the nasal passage to the back of the throat ( postnasal drip ). This sets off a cough response . During this episode , the baby may have trouble sleeping .

In the final three days , the mucus thickens even more and becomes crusty , by then , babies will generally become more active and their appetite back to almost normal .

Do baby colds go away on their own ? Colds typically go away on their own after a few days , but there may be a need to visit a pediatrician if unusual symptoms develop or if a baby is less than one month old .

How does a cold affect babies ? Babies can develop complications from a common cold . These complications include acute ear infection ( otitis media ), wheezing , acute sinusitis ( usually older children ) and other infections . A common cold can lead to other infections , including pneumonia , bronchiolitis and croup .

What are the treatments for baby colds ? Most cases of common cold get better without treatment . Antibiotics are usually not needed unless the congestion develops into an ear infection or pneumonia . Medications can help relieve some of the symptoms , but they will not make a cold or flu go away any faster .

These are some medications to treat the common cold , but a doctor / paediatrician must prescribe them . They are fever-reducing medicine such as paracetamol , flu medicine such as antihistamines , cough medicine ( only to be given for children above two years old , nasal spray ( a saline nasal spray ) to clear nasal mucous ) and a nasal decongestant spray for relieve of nose block / nasal congestion .

When do parents see a doctor ? i . Baby less than one-year-old ii . Baby is older but has a fever iii . Vomiting and unable to tolerate orally or interrupted feeding iv . Passes less amount of urine ( signs of dehydration ) v . Baby becomes inactive , sleeps much more than usual , is drowsy vi . Fast , rapid or noisy breathing vii . Cough worsens after a few days or if cough persists for more than five days viii . Appearance of rashes , red eyes or developed eye discharge ix . Pale or bluish skin x . Irritable xi . Has thick , green nasal discharge .

Can parents manage colds for their babies at home ? Yes , most colds can be managed at home . Still , parents must be aware and vigilant of the signs and symptoms of worsening infection , and a visit to a doctor / paediatrician is a MUST based on the criteria given earlier .

Here are some useful tips in managing common colds at home : i . If a child has a low-grade fever , a sponge bath with lukewarm water may help while waiting for the medicine ( paracetamol ) to work ii . Keep your child hydrated by frequent small feeds . Breastfeed as often as possible to keep them hydrated iii . Encourage plenty of fluids in bigger children . Fluids like water and fruit juices would be helpful . iv . A soft diet like porridge and soups would be best during the illness . v . Inhaling steam or a cool-mist vapouriser may help a stuffy nose vi . Nasal saline or saline gel may be helpful too vii . Plenty of rest

What are the tips for baby cold prevention ? There is no vaccine for the common cold . The best defence is taking precautions and frequent hand washing , which also includes : i . Keep baby away from anyone who is sick ii . Clean your baby ’ s toys and pacifiers often iii . Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby iv . Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue / towel There is a vaccine available for the influenza virus . The influenza vaccine is given as early as six months of age . This would prevent infection by Influenza A and B . Make sure that your baby is up to date on his / her immunisation . — The Health

Dr Diana Osman is a Consultant Paediatrician at Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre , Klang