Winter is often the peak season for illness, from runny noses and tickly throats to those stubborn, lingering coughs.
It’s not the cold weather itself that causes illness but being indoors more - on packed commutes, in busy classrooms and offices - which makes it easier for germs to spread. It can feel like the whole family’s constantly battling one bug after another.
A cough isn’t always a cause for concern, but there are times when it can point to something more serious, especially in children. Here’s how to tell the difference and what you can do to help.
What causes coughs in children during winter?
Most winter coughs are harmless, even if they’re a bit miserable for your little one.
The common cold is, as the name suggests, common. Symptoms usually start within a few days of catching the virus and include a blocked or runny noise, sneezing, sore throat, cough and tiredness. A cough often lingers because mucus drips down the throat, especially at night.
Most colds clear within a week, so there’s usually no need for a GP visit.
Dry indoor air can also irritate the throat. Try using a cool-mist humidifier and make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to keep their throat soothed.
How long should a child’s cough last?
Coughs can persist for a couple of weeks, but the NHS suggests consulting your local GP if your child’s cough has lingered for more than three weeks.
Could a cough be a sign of something else?
Most coughs are harmless, but sometimes they can signal something more.
Flu
It’s easy to confuse a bad cold with flu, but flu often comes on faster and hits harder. Children tend to get a high fever and a dry cough that can last a couple of weeks. They may also have a headache, aching muscles, fatigue and a sore throat. If your child isn’t improving after two weeks, contact your GP.
COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 in children are usually mild, with a third showing no symptoms at all. The usual signs are a cough, fever and a change in taste or smell. Children may also suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Contact your GP if you believe your child has COVID-19 or if they are showing any serious warning signs.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
RSV is common and usually mild, but in babies and toddlers it can lead to bronchiolitis - inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.
Signs to watch for include a rasping cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, poor feeding or vomiting after feeds. Symptoms tend to peak around days three to five and ease over the next couple of weeks.
Ear infection
Ear infections often follow a cold. They can be painful, particularly at night and may cause vomiting, irritability or balance problems. GPs sometimes prescribe antibiotics, but you can also use alternating doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen (check first if your child has asthma).
Strep throat
This bacterial infection causes a sore, red throat, fever, swollen glands and headache. Antibiotics may be prescribed, but mild cases often clear on their own with rest, paracetamol and cool drinks.