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My one-year-old has a fever, cough, and mucus. What to do?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My baby, who will turn one year old the day after tomorrow, has a fever, a severe cough, and flu-like symptoms. The mucus in her throat is making it difficult for her to breathe properly. What should I do to manage this?

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Based on the information provided, this is most likely a viral infection, which usually resolves on its own and generally requires symptomatic treatment while monitoring for warning signs.

If your baby is active, feeding well, and sleeping comfortably, there is usually no immediate cause for concern. The following measures may help:

  • Normal saline nasal drops – 2 drops in each nostril four to five times a day for three days.

  • Acetaminophen syrup (120 mg/5 mL) – 5 mL when there is a fever. It can be repeated every four hours if needed. Do not give it if there is no fever.

Continue her regular diet and encourage plenty of fluids, such as water, soups, and other age-appropriate liquids, along with her usual foods.

Watch for warning signs such as:

  • Refusing feeds.

  • Difficulty sleeping comfortably.

  • Noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing.

  • Reduced activity levels or unusual tiredness.

If any of these symptoms occur, take her to a hospital immediately. If you are concerned about her breathing, you may share a short, clear video showing her chest and face so that the breathing pattern and any nasal flaring can be assessed.

I hope I have addressed your concerns. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 20, 2026
Reviewed At July 20, 2026

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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