Common cold
Colds are usually caused by viruses affecting the upper respiratory tract.
Children may experience runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and sometimes fever.
Children can experience several respiratory infections during childhood.
Cough
Cough is a protective reflex that helps clear mucus and irritants from the airways.
A cough can sometimes continue after the initial viral infection has improved.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils.
Symptoms can include: Sore throat
Fever
Difficulty swallowing
Enlarged or inflamed tonsils
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Possible causes
Viral infections
Bacterial infections, including streptococcal infection
When should a child be assessed?
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva
Dehydration
Persistent high fever
Severe or worsening throat pain
Recurrent tonsillitis
Child appears significantly unwell
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and should only be used when medically indicated.
