Cough, cold and runny nose
Young children catch 6 to 8 colds a year – more in playschool. Saline nose drops, steam from a warm shower, fluids and honey (over 1 year only) help. Cough and cold syrups are not advised under 4 years.
Careful diagnosis and sensible treatment for fever, cough, cold, tummy infections and seasonal illness like dengue and typhoid – without unnecessary antibiotics – by Dr. Neha Garg Jaiswal.
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a fever. Fever is the body’s natural response to infection – usually a virus – and is not harmful by itself.
How your child looks and behaves matters more than the exact number. A child who plays and drinks when the fever comes down is usually doing well; a child who stays drowsy, breathless or refuses fluids needs to be seen.
Use a digital thermometer – under the armpit is easiest at home. Avoid judging fever by touching the forehead, and avoid mercury thermometers.
Most fevers in children are viral and get better in 3 to 5 days without antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, and using them unnecessarily causes side effects and resistance.
Dr. Neha examines your child carefully and orders tests only when they will change treatment – for example in prolonged fever, ear, throat or urine infections, typhoid or pneumonia.
Treat the child, not the thermometer – the right question is “how is my child doing?”, not just “how high is the fever?”
Young children catch 6 to 8 colds a year – more in playschool. Saline nose drops, steam from a warm shower, fluids and honey (over 1 year only) help. Cough and cold syrups are not advised under 4 years.
The biggest risk is dehydration. Give ORS in small, frequent sips after each loose stool, continue breastfeeding and normal food, and avoid juices, soft drinks and glucose powder.
After the monsoon – roughly August to November – dengue cases rise across Delhi NCR. Dengue warning signs often appear as the fever comes down.
Typhoid causes prolonged high fever and needs proper testing. Any fever lasting more than 3 days should be checked.
Febrile seizures happen in some children between 6 months and 5 years. They look frightening but usually last under 5 minutes and cause no lasting harm.
Time the seizure from the start.
On a safe, flat surface, away from hard or sharp objects.
Don’t put fingers, spoons or water in the mouth, and don’t hold them down.
A seizure lasting over 5 minutes, or breathing trouble afterwards, is an emergency.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital straight away. For guidance, call or WhatsApp +91 98184 07725.
Short, clear answers to the questions parents ask Dr. Neha most often. Your own child’s situation is always best discussed in person.
Ask on WhatsAppUsually 3 to 5 days. If fever lasts beyond 3 days, see a pediatrician.
Not by itself. Watch how your child behaves – a child who plays and drinks when the fever comes down is usually fine.
No, not without a doctor’s advice. Most fevers are viral and antibiotics don’t help.
Yes. A lukewarm bath or sponge is safe and can make your child more comfortable.
Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, but not a true high fever. A real fever needs another explanation.
For an older child who is drinking and playing, a video consult can help. Babies under 3 months, breathing difficulty or dehydration need an in-person visit.
MBBS, MD (Paediatrics) · Pediatrician & Neonatologist
Dr. Neha is a pediatrician and neonatologist with 15+ years of clinical experience, including newborn and paediatric care at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, ESIC Hospital Noida, Cloudnine and Yashoda. She consults at her clinics in Noida Sector 76 and Greater Noida West, and online.
Call or WhatsApp the clinic – in Noida Sector 76, Greater Noida West or by video – for fever, cough, cold and tummy bugs.
