How long will symptoms last?
We've been sick for so long, when will it end?
I’m often asked it’s normal to keep coughing for weeks.
Short answer: It can be, but keep reading to learn when it’s normal and when it’s more of a concern.
Long answer:
Most viral upper respiratory infections start with one or more of the following symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and fever.
These symptoms are most prominent over the first 3-5 days, then start to resolve.
Fever should go away after the first 4-5 days, except with influenza, where 7-10 days is possible. Fever generally is worst at night and can improve during the day. If you give acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it can lower the temperature, but the goal is not to make the fever go away completely. The goal is comfort. If a fever lasts more than 5 days, your child should be checked out to look for treatable reasons (even if they have influenza, because secondary pneumonias are a concern). Unless they are struggling to breathe or dehydrated, this can be done during regular office hours. Our local pediatric urgent cares and ERs are full - avoid using them if not a true urgent or emergent need.
Runny nose, congestion, and fatigue usually are significantly improved within 10 days but the cough can linger for 2-3 weeks.
If one has a history of asthma or wheezing, be sure to follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you don't have one, schedule a visit with your usual doctor to make one.
As long as there's no difficulty breathing, shortness or breath, or limit to activity, the 3 week course of cough is not a concern, especially if they’re active and playful and seem to have their normal energy level. These are reassuring signs that they're probably on their way to recovery. The cough is annoying, but it’s not dangerous if they're otherwise well!
Some infections (notably COVID and whooping cough) tend to cause many months of cough. Sometimes one infection is layered upon another, making the cough seem prolonged when it’s actually different infections back to back.
If a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, have it checked by your regular doctor. They can listen to the lungs and do any further testing or treatment that’s indicated based on the story and exam.
If there is difficulty breathing or other concerning behaviors, bring your child in right away.