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Colds and flu in babies and children

Key facts

  • A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract (airway) caused by a virus.
  • Colds usually get better on their own but there are ways to help your child feel better as they recover.
  • Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection that can cause complications for some children.
  • Flu vaccination is the best way to protect your child from catching the flu — it's available free of charge for children under the age of 5 years.
  • See a doctor straight away if your baby who is under 3 months of age has a fever.

    • What are colds and flu?

    A cold (Opens in new tab) is an infection of the upper respiratory tract (airway) that is caused by a virus. Colds often get better on their own after a few days.

    Influenza (Opens in new tab), also known as 'the flu', is an infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu can have serious complications for children.

    Very young children may have had little or no previous contact with the viruses that cause colds and flu. This means they will have less protection against infection and are more likely to get sick than adults.

    What are the symptoms of colds and flu?

    Both colds and flu affect your upper airways (nose, mouth and throat).

    Symptoms of a cold in babies and children

    Symptoms of a cold will usually affect your child's nose and throat (Opens in new tab), and can include:

    Symptoms of flu in babies and children

    Symptoms of the flu are similar to symptoms of a cold but will often come on more quickly. Symptoms usually last about a week.

    The flu may also cause symptoms such as:

    Know the different symptoms of a cold, the flu and RSV

    Know the different symptoms of a cold, flu and RSV

    CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

    What causes a cold or flu?

    Colds and flu are caused by viruses (Opens in new tab).

    There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold.

    There are two main types of influenza virus — Type A and Type B.

    When should I see a doctor?

    If at any time your child has trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

    A cold or flu will often get better without treatment.

    If you are worried about your child's symptoms, you should see your doctor. Children aged under 5 years of age, and especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to become unwell from influenza.

    Always see a doctor if your baby under 3 months of age has a fever.

    See your doctor if your child has any breathing problems such as wheezing, or a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks.

    You should also see your doctor if there is any worsening of your child's illness.

    Types of thermometers promo tile image: Choosing the right thermometer is important for monitoring your child's health.

    For more information on Types of thermometers.

    When to seek urgent care

    You should get urgent medical advice if your baby or child has any of these symptoms:

    FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

    How are colds and flu diagnosed?

    Your doctor can diagnose a cold or flu. Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms. They might also take a swab from the inside of your child's nose and throat to test for influenza.

    How can I treat colds and flu in babies and young children?

    Colds and flu are not usually dangerous for your child and will often get better on their own.

    Self-care at home

    There are ways to help ease the symptoms of a cold or flu.

    Your baby may have trouble feeding if their nose is blocked. Proper feeding is important to keep them hydrated.

    Babies with colds and flu need:

    • cuddles and reassurance
    • smaller, more frequent feeds
    • extra sleep

    Like babies, young children with infections also need:

    • rest
    • warmth
    • nourishing food
    • plenty of fluids

    Medicines for colds and flu

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your child can use nasal drops. This can help them breathe while they feed. It's important to only use nasal drops made for children.

    Babies and young children can take paracetamol (Opens in new tab) in liquid form to help with pain and fever. You can give older children paracetamol as a chewable tablet.

    Children over 3 months of age can also take ibuprofen (Opens in new tab). It can be given alone, or with paracetamol. Make sure to read the label for the recommended dose based on your child's age and weight.

    Your doctor may prescribe your child an antiviral medicine (Opens in new tab). This can be given as a liquid for young children and babies.

    There are some medicines that are not suitable for children with a cold or flu, such as:

    LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.

    What are the complications of colds and flu in babies and young children?

    Most children will not have complications from a cold.

    Some children may have complications from the flu, but this is rare. These complications include:

    Some children may need to go to hospital to be treated.

    Can colds and flu be prevented?

    The best way to protect your child from the flu is through vaccination. It's recommended that children over 6 months of age are vaccinated every year. If your child is under 6 months of age the best way to protect them is to make sure you are vaccinated.

    The flu vaccine does not prevent colds.

    You can help prevent the spread of colds by practising good hygiene. This includes:

    Stay at home when sick

    If your child has a cold or flu, you should keep them at home until they are well. If your child attends a childcare centre, you should let the director know that your child is unwell. Childcare centres have rules about how long sick children should stay at home. This is to help stop the disease spreading to other children.

    Free flu vaccination

    The flu vaccination is free for many people under the National Immunisation Program (Opens in new tab). This includes:

    • children under 5 years of age and over 6 months of age
    • pregnant women
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
    • people with certain medical conditions
    • people over 65 years of age

    Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your child's free flu vaccination.

    Resources and support

    You can visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to learn more about the influenza vaccine (Opens in new tab) and children and influenza (Opens in new tab).

    Languages other than English

    The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provides information about influenza vaccination (Opens in new tab) in many community languages.

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: July 2025

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    Bronchiolitis fact sheet | NHMRC

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is usually responsible for bronchiolitis, although other viruses can also cause bronchiolitis. Infections often occur in infants less than 1 year old, usually in winter.The symptoms of the infection begin like a common cold, with a runny nose, cough and fever. The coughing may become worse over the next day or 2, and rapid breathing and wheezing can make feeding young children difficult. Babies under 1 year old who have bronchiolitis will often wheeze when breathing out. Wheezing can last for a few days, but the cough can last for weeks.
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    Learn more on NHMRC website