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Coughs, Colds and Serious Illnesses

 
Timing Births
Safe Motherhood
Child Development and Early Learning
Breastfeeding
Nutrition and Growth
Immunization
Diarrhoea
Coughs, Colds and More Illnesses
Hygiene
Malaria
HIV/AIDS
Injury Prevention
Disasters and Emergencies
Summary

Why it is important to share and act on information about COUGHS, COLDS AND MORE SERIOUS ILLNESSES

Coughs, colds, sore throats and runny noses are common occurrences in the lives of children and usually are no cause for alarm.

In some cases, however, coughs and colds are danger signs of more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Respiratory infections killed some 2 million children under the age of five in the year 2000.

Key Messages:

What every family and community has a right to know aboutCOUGHS, COLDS AND MORE SERIOUS ILLNESSES

1. A child with a cough or cold should be kept warm and encouraged to eat and drink as much as possible.

2. Sometimes, coughs and colds are signs of a serious problem. A child who is breathing rapidly or with difficulty might have pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. This is a life-threatening disease and the child needs immediate treatment at a healthfacility.

3. Families can help prevent pneumonia by making sure that babies are exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months and that all children are well nourished and fully immunized.

4. A child with a harsh cough needs immediate medical attention. The child may have tuberculosis, an infection in the lungs.

5. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk when exposed to smoke from tobacco or cooking fires.


Supporting information for key messages: 1   2   3   4   5
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