Caring for Kids - CHILDREN AND FEVER
Young children get a lot of colds because they haven’t had a chance to build up immunity to the many viruses that cause colds. As your child grows older, he’ll gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds. Colds are also called upper respiratory tract infections . The common cold (upper respiratory infection) is one of the most common illnesses in children. Each year it leads to more healthcare provider visits and missed days from school and work than any other illness. A cold is caused by a virus. There are many—more than 200—different types of viruses that can cause a cold. The most common one is called the rhinovirus, but others include the coronavirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, enterovirus and respiratory syncytial viruses. Once a virus enters your child's body, it causes a reaction — the body's immune system begins to react to and fight off the virus. This, in turn, causes: an increase in mucus production (a runny nose) swelling of the lining