Colds: Symptoms of Secondary Bacterial Infections

• Using this guideline, you can select out the 5 to 10% of children who have ear infections or sinus infections. Many are identified with specific symptoms and patterns. Some are suspected because symptoms last too long:
  • Earache
  • Sinus pain not relieved by nasal washes
  • Fever present over 3 days
  • Fever that goes away for 24 hours and then returns
  • Sore throat present over 5 days
  • Nasal discharge present over 2 weeks
  • Cough present over 3 weeks