Many kinds of virus may cause the similar symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. A viral cold, also known as the Humboldt Crud or respiratory flu, is a frequent occurrence on our Northcoast area, especially during the wetter months. If symptoms including a fever, cough, headache or earache are especially severe, an office visit or phone call is a good idea to make sure there is not something else going on. If symptoms are mild you can manage without necessarily visiting the doctor.
Treatment consists mainly of rest and waiting for symptoms to improve.
Offer plenty of fluids. See Fever, Aches and Pains. Likewise with cough syrup for a cough. A bulb syringe can be used to clear the nose of babies, if absolutely necessary nose drops such as Afrin or NeoSynephrine for babies may be helpful three times a day prior to feeding the infant. Special diets are not necessary, but well-balanced meals possibly with extra vitamins, may be helpful.