Viral upper respiratory tract infection and the common cold — structured clinical encounter

A previously well 3-year-old is brought to the general paediatric clinic on day 4 of a cold. He has congestion, clear-then-yellow-green nasal discharge, a low-grade fever that has settled, and a nocturnal cough. He is playing and drinking normally and has no respiratory distress. On examination the nasal mucosa is inflamed, the throat is mildly erythematous, the tympanic membranes are normal with preserved mobility, and the chest is clear. The parents request 'an antibiotic to clear it up' because the discharge has turned green and the cough persists. During the consultation the mother mentions that the child's 6-week-old sibling now has a snuffle and 'felt a bit warm' this morning.