Do you accept Florida Medicaid?

Yes. Lake Worth Pediatrics accepts most Florida Medicaid plans and many major insurance providers. Visit our Insurance & Billing page for full coverage details.

Do you offer same-day sick visits in Palm Springs?

Yes. We provide same-day pediatric sick visits in Palm Springs to ensure your child receives timely medical care when needed.

What areas do you serve?

We serve families in Palm Springs, Lake Worth, Greenacres, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, and surrounding Palm Beach County communities.

What languages do you speak?

Our team provides care in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole so every family feels confident and fully understood.

Your Child's First Cold: A Parent's Guide

Understanding the Common Cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the chest. It’s very common in infants and young children, especially in daycare or school settings. If you’re looking for a trusted Palm Springs pediatrician, Lake Worth Pediatrics offers same-day sick visits for common childhood illnesses.

Common Symptoms

Runny or stuffy nose (clear, then yellow or green mucus)
Sneezing
Mild cough
Low-grade fever (under 100.4°F in babies older than 3 months)
Fussiness or difficulty sleeping
Decreased appetite

What You Can Do at Home

1. Keep Your Child Comfortable

Offer plenty of fluids (breast milk, formula, or water if over 6 months).
Let your child rest as much as needed.
Dress them in light layers if they have a fever.

2. Clear the Nose

Use a saline spray or drops to loosen mucus, then suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator for infants.
Run a cool-mist humidifier in the room to keep nasal passages moist.

3. Relieve Cough & Congestion

Use steam from a warm bath or shower to help loosen mucus.
Offer warm fluids (such as diluted apple juice) for children over 1 year to soothe the throat.

4. Monitor for Fever

Under 3 months: Call your pediatrician immediately if fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
3-6 months: Contact your doctor for fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
Over 6 months: Treat fevers over 102°F (38.9°C) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, for babies over 6 months) per dosage instructions. Refer to our Pediatric Medication Dosage Chart for safe dosing guidelines based on your child’s weight and age.

5. Encourage Handwashing & Hygiene

Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the cold.
Teach kids to sneeze or cough into their elbow.

What NOT to Do

No over-the-counter cold medicines (not recommended for children under 6).
No honey for babies under 1 year (risk of botulism).
No aspirin (risk of Reye’s syndrome).

When to Call the Pediatrician

Seek medical care if your child has:

Fast or labored breathing (nostrils flaring, ribs pulling in, wheezing)
Fever over 100.4°F in a baby under 3 months
Fever lasting more than 3 days in an older child
Severe cough or persistent ear pain
Signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
Lethargy or extreme fussiness

Final Reassurance

Most colds last 7-10 days and improve with rest and supportive care. If you’re ever in doubt, call your pediatrician—we’re here to help! You can also explore our full Parent Resources section for more tips on managing your child’s health.