Question: You are managing a 3-year-old boy presenting with symptoms of a common cold. Propose the information that should be part of the discussion with this boy's mother. Cold and cough medications are normally contraindicated in children who are younger than 4 years of age. Antibiotics are needed because the cold can progress to a viral illness. Over-the-counter medications can be consumed moderately. Antibiotics are indicated because they are effective in the treatment of a virus.