Cough, Cold & Flu in Infants 0-24 Months

The cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and usually lasts for up to one week. Your baby likely came into contact with one of hundreds of viruses (likely a rhinovirus) from an infected person. If your baby goes to daycare and is around a lot of other children, they’re more likely to become infected.

Babies are vulnerable to colds because their immune systems aren’t fully developed and their bodies have a difficult time fighting off infection. Also, as babies become more mobile, they’re constantly touching things and then putting their fingers in their mouth or nose or rubbing their eyes — causing infection from the virus.

Learn how to protect your entire family from cold viruses.

Approximately two to three days after being infected, your baby will likely start showing symptoms of a cold. If your baby is closer to two years old, they may complain that they have a sore or scratchy throat around 18 to 48 hours after being exposed to a cold-causing virus.

Older babies may be able to give you more clues as to what’s bothering them. Of course, with younger babies, you’ll need to be a detective of sorts.

Common cold symptoms include:

• Sore throat that is dry and scratchy
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches and pains
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Stuffy nose — difficulty breathing may mean they may wake up throughout the night more than usual
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Dry cough
• Fatigue or mild weakness
• Loss of appetite or difficulty feeding

The flu is an infection of your baby’s respiratory tract. While most infants won’t become seriously ill, the flu can progress to pneumonia in those who already have a serious medical condition. Like a cold, a highly contagious virus caused your baby’s flu, most commonly spread by coughing or sneezing.

Learn how to protect your entire family from flu viruses.

While cold and flu symptoms are very similar, if symptoms appear suddenly and start with a high fever, it’s most likely the flu. If your baby has a dry and scratchy throat before other symptoms appear, it’s most likely a cold. Also, the flu will leave your baby extremely tired with moderate to severe body aches and pain.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of a fever that runs 39°C to 40°C and lasts for 3 to 4 days
• Moderate to severe headaches and body pain
• Chills
• Hot, moist skin and a flushed face
• Runny/stuffy nose with a clear, watery discharge
• Extreme tiredness and general weakness
• Chest discomfort
• Cough — which can become severe
• Loss of appetite or trouble feeding
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain

Infants who get the flu will likely get it faster and more severely than adults. Learn what you can do to help comfort your baby when they have the flu.