They usually disappear within 4 to 10 days without special treatment. A child's catching a cold does not leave any lasting immunity as the illness is caused by different virus species. Pre-school children have about nine colds a year, kindergarten children can have about 12 colds a year and adolescents and adults have about seven colds a year. The infection season runs from September to March, so the incidence of colds is more frequent during this period.

The common cold usually starts slowly. The most common symptoms of a cold are general weakness, a feeling of being unwell, a sore throat (burning, scratching), a runny nose (first mucous, then purulent), sneezing, coughing, loss of appetite, fever, headache are common. Sometimes there is diarrhoea and vomiting; muscle pain.

The best way to prevent a child catching a cold is to teach your child to wash their hands properly with soap and water. The viruses that cause the common cold are spread by direct contact (for example, when a sick child wipes his or her nose in his or her hands and then touches the child, thus infecting him or her) or indirectly through infected objects (e.g. doorknobs, toys, pens, etc.).The virus can survive on objects for several hours.

The most important thing in the prevention of the common cold is thorough hand washing. Sick children must be taught to cover their mouths when sneezing, coughing; to avoid spreading viruses.

The commoncold usually does not require special treatment. Only symptomatic medicines are used. These are available without a prescription. Antibiotics are not used as they are ineffective against viruses. For fever, e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen.

Due to the risk of Rey's syndrome in a child (<12 years), aspirin should not be given. For rhinitis, sprays, drops to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa are applicable. The medicines are available without a prescription.

Depending on the type of cough, expectorants (for wet cough) or cough suppressants (for dry cough) are used. For sore throats, the child can be given lozenges (for older children) or sprays or syrups. The mouth can also be rinsed with disinfectant fluids. At home, remember to provide an adequate supply of fluids (especially when there is a fever), preferably warm (but not hot or cold). It is also a good idea to use a humidifier in the child's bedroom, which makes breathing easier. Do not overheat the baby. The best room temperature is 20 degrees.

Home treatment is not always sufficient. In the event that the symptoms persist or worsen over a few days, with high fever, vomiting, convulsions, shortness of breath, chest pain, or if the baby refuses to take liquids and is apathetic, go to the doctor. The cause of the symptoms may be, for example, influenza, bronchitis or tonsillitis.

Some cases require specialist treatment (e.g. antibiotics) in hospital (e.g. in the case of dehydration, poor general condition) or at home. Children with chronic illnesses, e.g. bronchial asthma or immune disorders, are mainly at risk.