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Child with a cold (ARVI): pediatrician visit
child has a cold · pediatrician for a cold · pediatrician home visit · fever in a child
The pediatrician examines your sick child and tells you how to treat the cold at home. A cold usually goes away by itself in 5 to 7 days.
For a runny nose, cough, sore throat or fever in a child.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Notes. Write down the temperature and the times you gave fever medicine.
- Visit or home call. If the fever is high, you can call the doctor to your home. Ask the clinic.
- Clothing. Clothes that are easy to take off for the exam.
What to bring
- Your child's ID
- The medical record
- Notes of temperature and medicines
- Water and tissues
How it goes
- The doctor asks you about the illness
- Looks at the throat and nose
- Looks in the ears
- Listens to the lungs
- Sometimes feels the belly and neck
- Explains how to treat at home and when to call again
What you'll feel
- Looking at the throat can be unpleasant - your child may cry, this is normal
- The rest of the exam is painless - you can hold your child on your lap
Afterwards
- Give plenty to drink
- Bring the fever down if your child feels unwell - the doctor will tell you the dose
- Antibiotics are usually not needed for a cold - give them only if prescribed
- If your child is not better after 3 days, see the doctor again
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your child breathes hard or fast, or the skin between the ribs sucks in - call your local emergency number
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass - call your local emergency number
- Your child is limp, not drinking or has not urinated for a long time - see a doctor urgently
- A seizure with fever - call your local emergency number
Common questions
Are antibiotics needed for a cold?
Usually not, because colds are caused by viruses. Only a doctor prescribes antibiotics.
When can my child go back to nursery?
Usually when there is no fever and your child feels well. The doctor will tell you the time.