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

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]

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

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 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]

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]

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]

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

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

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]