Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and often fever and cough. The fever can last for 2-3 days, and the cough with congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The typical preschool-age child may experience 6-10 colds per year. Many colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, or other complications. Complications can appear soon after the URI begins, but often appear later in the illness. One should be concerned about a complication if the child is acting poorly or starts improving and then some of the symptoms recur or get worse. If you are concerned about the illness or possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.