• Fever

  Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can be given for fever and aches. [merckmanuals.com]

• Malaise

  Other typical symptoms in children include decreased appetite, lethargy, and a general feeling of illness (malaise). Headaches and body aches develop, particularly with influenza. [merckmanuals.com]

• Inflammation

  The small airways of young children can be significantly narrowed by inflammation and mucus, making breathing difficult. [merckmanuals.com]

• Pain

  Rest and fluids Drugs for fever and pain Antibiotics are not necessary and do not help treat viral respiratory tract infections. Children with respiratory tract infections need additional rest and should maintain normal fluid intake. [merckmanuals.com]

• Common Cold

  Common viral respiratory tract infections include the common cold and flu. Upper respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, affect mostly the nose and throat. [merckmanuals.com]

• Cough

  This situation leads to nasal congestion, a runny nose, scratchy throat, and cough, which may last up to 14 days. Some children may continue to cough for weeks after the upper respiratory infection has resolved. [merckmanuals.com]

• Pneumonia

  Some children with a viral respiratory tract infection also develop an infection of the middle ear (otitis media) or the lung tissue (pneumonia). [merckmanuals.com]

• Nasal Congestion

  Because newborns and young infants prefer to breathe through their nose, even moderate nasal congestion can create difficulty breathing. [merckmanuals.com]

• Sneezing

  Less often, infections spread when children breathe air containing droplets that were coughed or sneezed out by an infected person. [merckmanuals.com]

• Headache

  Headaches and body aches develop, particularly with influenza. Infants and young children are usually not able to communicate their specific symptoms and just appear cranky and uncomfortable. [merckmanuals.com]

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Children develop on average six viral respiratory tract infections each year. [merckmanuals.com]

Good hygiene is the best way to prevent these infections, and routine vaccination can help prevent influenza. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Children develop on average six viral respiratory tract infections each year. [merckmanuals.com]