Colds & Flu

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Colds and flu are infections of the nose and throat. Both are caused by viruses.

It can be hard to tell if your child has a cold or the flu. Why? They both have the same type of symptoms. But symptoms for the flu are worse than ones for a cold. Flu symptoms come on fast. Ones for a cold come on slower.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Symptoms

Fever

Chills

Headache

Body aches and pain

Fatigue

Stuffy nose. Sneezing. Runny nose.

Sore throat

Cough

Loss of appetite

Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea.

Cold

Maybe. If so, the fever is very mild.

No

Not in most cases

Mild, if any

Mild, if any. Your child still has energy to do most things.

Yes. Mucus from the nose can start out watery and then be yellow or green.

Your child may feel a tickle in the throat before other symptoms. The throat feels scratchy.

Yes. It is a hacking cough.

No

No

Flu

Yes. It can be a high fever.

Yes

Yes. Your child may feel dizzy, too.

Yes. Your child’s body may ache all over.

Yes. Your child may not have enough energy to get out of bed.

Sometimes

Yes

Yes. The cough can become severe.

Yes

Sometimes

Antibiotics do not treat colds and flu. Most colds clear up in about a week. Sometimes, a cold lasts up to 2 weeks.

Fever and most flu symptoms usually go away after 5 days, but coughing and feeling weak can last up to 2 weeks.

Prevention

• Take your child for a yearly flu vaccine as advised.
• Don’t smoke or let your child smoke.
• Keep your child away from persons who have the flu or a cold.
• See that your child eats and sleeps well and gets lots of exercise.