A cold, also known as a URI (upper respiratory infection), is one of the most common childhood illnesses. The main symptoms that accompany a cold are a runny nose, cough and fever. It is important to remember that a cough can last up to three weeks, while other cold symptoms might subside. At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care we are able to evaluate your child and determine if they have a URI or not.
A typical cold in children usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. A fever will generally last less than 3 days. Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat symptoms should improve within a week, but a cough can persist for 2 to 3 weeks as airways recover.
It’s important to monitor your child for any signs of further complications such as ear pain, sinus pressure, yellow or green discharge from the ears or eyes, or rapid breathing. If your child’s symptoms worsen or last longer than expected, seeking care at a pediatric urgent care is recommended to ensure proper treatment.
Allergy symptoms include:
An itchy, runny nose with clear nasal discharge or a stuffy nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Frequent sneezing and itching of the nose, eyes, or skin
No fever
Symptoms occur during spring, summer, or fall
Cold symptoms include:
Nasal congestion and discharge that starts clear but may become thick and colored
Symptoms lasting 3 to 10 days, sometimes accompanied by fever
Occasional sneezing
No itchiness
If your child’s symptoms persist or you’re unsure whether it’s allergies or a cold, visiting a kids urgent care can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Yes, colds are highly contagious, especially among children. They spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Because kids often have close contact at school or daycare, colds can spread quickly.
If your child shows cold symptoms, it’s important to practice good hygiene like frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with others. For evaluation and care when symptoms worsen, visit a pediatric urgent care.
When a child has a cold, a mild fever typically lasts between 1 to 3 days as their body fights the infection. Most cold-related fevers resolve quickly without complications. However, if a fever lasts longer than 3 days, becomes very high (above 102°F), or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing or persistent vomiting, you should seek medical care.
At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, our team is ready to evaluate your child’s symptoms, provide treatment for cold-related fevers, and help prevent complications to get your child back to feeling better.
