'Can kids actually catch a cold from being cold?’ and 9 other questions we asked a doctor.

I consider myself very lucky that my job can be done from home when necessary.

It’s very handy after approximately two weeks of winter have passed, and all of those precious 10 sick and carers’ leave days have been used up already. 

With three kids at school, it feels like there is rarely a week that passes where someone isn’t sick. I don’t know whether it’s due to lockdowns and being more sheltered over the past two years, but this winter has been especially brutal for dealing with colds, and now, as we head into spring, we’re hitting the allergy season.

(Unfortunately my youngest son and I are both allergic to… pretty much just nature, so this is straight up not a fun time.)

As we know, there isn’t much you can actually do about a cold except treat the symptoms, and try to make it a bit more comfortable while the virus runs its course — rest up, drink fluids, paracetamol for aches, pains and fever, a nasal spray to clear the airway. And some junk on the telly can’t hurt either. 

As parents, we tend to be a bit more cautious about the products we use to treat our little ones — where products specifically designed for kids can make a big difference to both their comfort levels and their parents’ stress (and sleep) levels. 

FLO Kids Saline Nasal Spray targets one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of colds — the blocked and congested nose — and clears it naturally and easily. The gentle, sterile, preservative-free saline solution sprays at any angle, making it quick and easy to use on the squirmiest of toddlers or babies (it can be used from birth). And because it’s non-medicated, it can be used as often as needed.  

FLO can assist with a kid’s nasal congestion from colds and allergies by washing away mucus produced by colds, pollens, dust and other allergy-causing particles. This method also helps prevent the dreaded scabbing on the nose, too.

Although some of us considered ourselves armchair 'experts' from the last two-and-a-half years, I realised that I actually don’t actually know that much about colds. 

What causes them, why kids seem to get them SO OFTEN, and whether there’s anything we can do to prevent them. 

So, Mamamia spoke with GP, Dr Imaan Joshi, to get all our questions about kids, colds and immunity answered. Promise there’s light at the end of this snotty tunnel. 

Can my child catch a cold from being cold, like from playing outside without a coat?

“No, this is a persistent old wives’ tale that continues to hang around,” Dr Joshi says. 

“A cold (as in the common cold), by definition, is a virus. Like so many other respiratory viruses, it’s more common in colder weather compared to warmer weather and presumably, people thought being out in the cold (or the rain) gave you a cold.”

How are colds transmitted?

“Common colds are a type of respiratory virus from many different families; among the commonest, the rhinovirus family. 

“Like many respiratory viruses, they can be transmitted year-long, but more typically during cooler weather and when people tend to cluster indoors and be in close proximity, or have poorer hygiene (babies in daycare and younger kids in schools).”

What’s the best way to treat a cold, or at least, the symptoms of a cold?

Dr Joshi suggests all the usual methods you're likely already on top of. 

Taking time off school or work to recover, drinking plenty of water, and rest all being key. She also suggests simple pain relief such as paracetamol to help with fevers and aches and pains, and sinus rinses as they may help with the congestion that makes it difficult to sleep.

How long should the common cold last?

Here's the question we really want to know, though. How long do we have to put up with all the sniffling? 

“In most healthy people, symptoms are worst for a few days before you heal,” Dr Joshi tells Mamamia.

How do I know if a cold is just a cold, or whether it’s more serious?

“If symptoms persist or if you seem to be improving and then go backwards, it may be a sign that a bacterial infection has taken over and it may be time to see your doctor,” Dr Joshi says.

“People with pre-existing illnesses including asthma may also find their course is slightly worse, with a greater need for inhalers or even medical attention.”

My daycare child seems to be sick more often than not. Can I prevent this?

“Babies and children who first begin daycare often seem to be regularly sick, especially during the colder months,” Dr Joshi explains. 

“Their immune system is being challenged and regularly primed by exposure to many different germs and viruses, so it can often feel like they’re sick ALL THE TIME and can be so frustrating for parents.”

The unfortunate news?

“There’s not much you can do to prevent this, as babies can’t do much about hygiene nor about being in close proximity with many other babies. Many people also have minimal symptoms while initially infectious, thereby spreading the virus to others. 

“I tend to reassure parents this is an important stepping-stone in helping our kids build their immunity so that eventually, like older kids and adults who are otherwise well, they may get sick once or twice a year and not more often.”

How often is "normal" for a child to get sick in a year?

“Initially, it can feel like it’s all the time, but in cooler months as often as every few weeks. In older kids and adults, usually one or two times a year is the norm if they’re otherwise well.” 

Why does my child’s cough or blocked/runny nose seem to get worse at night?

If there's one thing parents know to be true, it's that as soon as the night air hits, something happens. Our sick kiddos get snottier and their cough gets... coughier.

“Little babies have more pliable airways than older kids and adults, and the cooler air means the airways may be slightly narrowed and coughing makes these more likely to narrow and constrict resulting in a harsher sound that can sound like barking (croup) or, even more worryingly, partially block the airway — this is when medical attention is needed,” Dr Joshi tells Mamamia. 

“Babies also don’t know how to blow their noses so a lot of mucus collects in their upper airways and breathing can sound much noisier because it’s being transmitted through this gunk. Babies can also swallow the mucus, and this can give them an upset stomach and mild diarrhoea. All par for the course.”

My child had a cold, and weeks later is still coughing or has a runny nose. Is it okay to return to daycare/school?

“Many of the symptoms should resolve within a few days, but it’s not uncommon for a cough to persist for days or weeks after everything else is fine. 

“Talk to your GP about when it’s safe for your child to return to daycare and when to worry. Every child is different and now with COVID-19, there may be different guidelines to follow at every centre.” 

How much fluid should my child be drinking when they’re sick? How will I know if it isn’t enough?

“I don’t worry if they’re not eating, they will as they feel better,” Dr Joshi says. 

“I’d like to see them drink enough water to pass urine and preferably light coloured or clear urine to indicate they’re getting enough, whether that’s in the loo or enough wet nappies.”

Are there foods, drinks or vitamins that can boost their immunity or prevent colds?

“A healthy, balanced, age-appropriate diet is best, without eliminating any of the major food groups. If it’s a baby that’s still breastfeeding, they may get some passive immunity from the breastfeeding parent too as a bonus.”

And there you have it. All your answers (hopefully) answered.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to take some time to prepare for allergy season. 

FLO Kids Saline Nasal Spray helps clear a runny and blocked nose quickly, gently and easily. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Feature Image: Canva/Mamamia.