With cold and flu season well under way, the government plans to warn parents that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are too risky for babies and toddlers.

The FDA is issuing a public health advisory to tell parents to avoid the drugs for children under 2 because of "serious and potentially life-threatening side effects."

Drug companies last October quit selling dozens of versions targeted specifically to babies and toddlers. And the FDA's own scientific advisers voted that same month that the drugs don't even work in small children and shouldn't be used in anyone under age 6.

"It's (a) cold. It will go away," Dr. Davis Persse, Houston's public health officer, told television station KPRC. "Parents are used to kids with colds. You need to take care of them and give them lots of liquids so they don't get dehydrated and lots of tender loving care. The cold will go away."

The government is worried people still have the drugs at home, or are using drugs meant for older children.

The FDA still hasn't ruled if the remedies are appropriate for older children, and expects to make a decision on that by spring.