Although youngsters often feel better within 3 or 4 days of developing the infection, they may continue coughing for 2 to 3 weeks. Many children have 6 colds a year. Causes Colds are caused by viruses. They can spread easily, especially during the first 3 or 4 days of illness. You can catch a cold at home, work, school, or day care by touching someone who has one, or by being nearby when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Some people develop a fever.
However, antibiotics cannot cure the common cold. Be careful not to blow your nose too hard, or you might have a nosebleed. To keep a young child's nose free from mucus, soak a cotton ball with warm water and put 3 drops into each nostril. Wait about 1 minute, then have the youngster blow his or her nose. If the child is too young for this, use a soft rubber suction bulb.