Upper respiratory infections like the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 can occur often during the colder months.
When your child has symptoms like a sore throat, congestion, or a cough, it can be easy to feel unsure where to get the care they need. When does it make most sense to stay at home — or to call your doctor?
Tips for home care
Getting plenty of rest and fluids can help your child fight illness and recover. Over-the-counter medicine can help with pain and fever, while humidifiers, saline spray, and fluids can help ease congestion and respiratory discomfort.
Use for:
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Mild sore throat
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue
When should you call your doctor?
It’s important to keep in mind that standard care advice for adults differs for children and babies.
Call your child’s doctor or seek urgent/emergency care if you notice:
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Signs of dehydration including no tears, not being able to keep fluids down, few wet diapers, or dry mouth
- A child is very sleepy or hard to wake
- Seizures
- Your baby is fussy or cries and cannot be soothed
Likewise, fevers in children and babies should be paid special attention. Unless advised otherwise by your child’s health care provider, you should seek care right away for the fever symptoms below.
Fever in children and babies: when you should call your doctor
| Child’s age | Temperature/symptoms | How long |
| Three months old or younger | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher | Any length of time |
| Younger than two years of age | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher | More than one day |
| Two years of age or older | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher | More than three days |
| Any age | Repeated fevers above 104°F (40°C) | Any length of time |
While many cold and flu-like symptoms can be managed safely at home, knowing when to call your doctor helps ensure your child gets the right treatment faster.
Looking for information about how vaccines can protect your child’s health or caring for adults’ cold and flu-like symptoms? You can find detailed guides on our website.
If you’re a Quartz member, please visit our Getting Care page for resources and tools to connect you with local care in your network.
