| Although, your baby will experience on average eight | | | | than a week. |
| to ten colds and a variety of other common ailments | | | | Flu |
| during his or her first year, the good news is that most | | | | Influenza or flu is caused by a respiratory virus and is |
| of these illnesses go away rapidly without any type of | | | | sometimes confused with the common cold. Spread |
| medical treatment. And, the coughs and sniffles | | | | from person to person, it is most common during the |
| experienced while in infancy serve an important | | | | winter months. While the symptoms are similar to a |
| purpose of building a mature immune system. | | | | cold, they are generally more severe with a sudden |
| Colds | | | | onset of fever, chills, extreme fatigue, and a dry |
| Colds are caused by viruses that are generally | | | | hacking cough. |
| transferred directly from person to person via | | | | Unlike with colds, there is a vaccine to prevent the flu. |
| sneezes and coughs or through indirect contact such | | | | They are considered safe and effective and are |
| as touching a toy or bottle of another child who is | | | | commonly recommended for children over the age of |
| infected. Common symptoms include runny nose, | | | | six months. |
| sneezing, low-grade fever (less than 38.9 degrees | | | | Ear Infections |
| Celsius), sore throat, cough, and overall irritability. Most | | | | One of the most painful and frustrating illnesses for |
| children do not need to see a doctor for a common | | | | small children is an ear infection. They are extremely |
| cold unless the illness becomes more serious. | | | | common during cold and flu season but can happen at |
| However, if he or she is younger than three months of | | | | any time throughout the year. Babies with ear |
| age, it is important to call your paediatrician at the first | | | | infections show symptoms such as ear tugging or |
| sign of illness, as symptoms can sometimes be | | | | pulling, difficulty feeding, crying, trouble sleeping, and |
| misleading and more serious than they initially appear. | | | | fever (up to 40 degrees Celsius). You may also see |
| There is no known cure for a cold. Antibiotics that are | | | | blood-tinged fluid draining from the ear. |
| helpful in fighting bacterial infections have no effect on | | | | If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, call your |
| colds. Thus, the best thing that you can do is keep | | | | paediatrician as soon as possible. Depending on the |
| your baby comfortable, provide extra fluids, lots of rest, | | | | severity of the condition, your baby may be prescribed |
| and possibly give a fever reducing medication, if | | | | an antibiotic to clear it up. |
| necessary. Most children recover from colds in less | | | | |