Parents often share that it seems like their children constantly have a runny nose and a nagging cough.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are among the most common childhood illnesses. These infections affect the nose, sinuses, and throat and are usually caused by viruses. Examples include colds, COVID-19, croup, influenza, RSV, and strep.
“It’s not uncommon for kids to have six to eight URIs each year,” said SSM Health pediatrician Dr. Krishna Challa. “What’s important is recognizing when severe illness is developing.”
Children seem sick so often because their immune systems are still developing and they’re surrounded by germs every day. During the winter it may seem even worse because they spend more time indoors.
“Most kids don’t have perfect handwashing habits, they touch their faces frequently, and they’re around friends all the time,” Dr. Challa said. “Germs love kids and spread easily.”
How to tell common illnesses apart
- Colds (often rhinovirus/enterovirus/adenovirus): Runny nose, mild cough, low fever, mostly normal energy.
- COVID-19: Fever, cough, fatigue, sometimes loss of taste/smell.
- Croup: Cold-like symptoms that escalate to include fever, wheezing.
- Influenza (Flu): Sudden high fever, chills, body aches, extreme fatigue.
- RSV: Wet or wheezy cough, fast or labored breathing.
- Strep Throat: Sore throat with red or white patches, pain.
Different types of cough
- A cold cough is usually dry and tickly.
- An RSV cough sounds wet and phlegmy.
- COVID-19 coughs are often dry but won’t seem to go away.
- Croup coughs have a distinctive bark-like sound.
- Asthma-related coughs may flare in dry air or areas with poor air quality.
Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier can help ease coughing, especially at night if sleep is being disturbed. Over the Counter (OTC) remedies may also relieve symptoms as the illness works its way through the body.
“Always check age and dosing instructions for medications,” Dr. Challa said. “If you can let the body fight off the cough naturally – with some help from OTC medicines for comfort – that’s often best.”
Most URIs are viral and won’t respond to antibiotics. That’s why simply waiting out childhood URIs is often the reality.
“Taking unnecessary antibiotics can make future infections harder to treat,” Dr. Challa explained. “We only prescribe them when there’s clear evidence that a bacterial infection is present and when antibiotics will truly help.”
If your child is moderately ill but improving day by day, staying hydrated, and generally comfortable, those are good signs. Most children begin to feel better with fluids, rest, and supportive care.
Seek medical care if your child:
- Has a fever lasting more than three days
- Is having trouble breathing or breathing that looks unusual for them (fast, heavy, or using extra muscles to breathe)
- Shows symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
“Never hesitate to reach out for guidance if you’re unsure,” Dr. Challa said. “Always trust your instinct.”
There isn’t any way to completely prevent URIs, but frequent handwashing, a healthy diet, good sleep, and receiving recommended vaccinations can help.
“Germs spread fast,” Dr. Challa said. “Staying home when you’re sick and covering coughs helps protect everyone.”
SSM Health has a variety of care options available. Take time to find out which care option is right for you, before illness arrives.
