Question
A 9-month-old infant has recently developed a slight cough, and parents are asking how to deal with common cold symptoms in infants.
Answer
Cold symptoms are usually caused by viruses, so it is not recommended to use antibiotics but rather to treat the symptoms. If the infant has a fever, fever-reducing treatment should be administered; if there is only a slight cough, it may not need immediate attention. However, for infants under 3 months old, it is particularly important to be aware of signs of pneumonia, as their development is not yet complete and symptoms may not be typical. Parents should observe if the infant has increased saliva, rapid breathing, fever, normal eating habits, and overall well-being. If any of these symptoms are present, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.