According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, colds cause more than 20 million lost days from school annually. Several different types and combinations of cold medications are available. Antihistamines cause drowsiness. At night, that may help the child sleep. But during the day, they can make the child sleepy in school.
Decongestants can cause hyperactivity and irritability.
Cough medicines containing dextromethorphan have not been tested in children. And cough that brings up mucus or phlegm shouldn't be suppressed. A recent study shows zinc lozenges, touted to reduce cold symptoms in adults, aren't effective for colds in children and adolescents. And if a parent keeps regular freezer pops, a child may accidentally take the wrong kind for a snack. Clean the vaporizer regularly to prevent mold growth, which releases mold spores into the air.