Key Points
Counseling patients about the importance of good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission of cold viruses.
The only established safe and effective treatments for children are acetylcysteine, honey (for children ≥ 1 year), nasal saline irrigation, intranasal ipratropium, and topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended avoiding cough and cold medications in children younger than 6 years.
Do not prescribe decongestants to children younger than 12 years, as evidence of the effectiveness of decongestants is limited, and they are associated with adverse effects.
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