By Children’s Health | Contributor
Cold symptoms can resemble flu symptoms in children. Learn how to distinguish between a cold and the flu.
Parents should anticipate that their children will catch colds every year, particularly during the fall and winter months when the likelihood of flu increases. So, how can you determine if your child is experiencing flu symptoms or merely a common cold?
Causes of Cold and Flu
Both the common cold and flu are triggered by viral infections. The common cold, also known as an upper respiratory infection or URI, can stem from various viruses, and testing is not usually conducted for diagnosis. The flu, on the other hand, is caused by specific influenza viruses, and multiple strains circulate each year. Testing is typically performed to confirm a flu diagnosis.
Cold vs Flu Symptoms
Both the common cold and flu exhibit a range of symptoms, including cough, sore throat, and congestion. However, their severity and onset often differ. Cold symptoms generally emerge gradually, featuring an increasingly worse cough, a runny nose, congestion, and/or sneezing. A fever may also be present. Symptoms typically last from 3 to 10 days.
Flu symptoms appear suddenly, and your child may look and feel significantly more ill. Children might report sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, weakness, and exhaustion. There are prominent signs of a cough, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. They may also develop a high fever and experience chills. Most children recover within a few days to two weeks. If your child has any breathing difficulties, changes in skin color, cannot drink fluids, experiences severe vomiting, seems excessively irritable, or if their fever returns after subsiding, seek medical attention immediately, as these may indicate a more serious illness. See tips to determine when it’s essential for your child to visit the emergency room.
Cold vs Flu Treatment
If your child has a cold, specific medications are generally unnecessary. Encourage them to stay well-hydrated, assist with nasal clearing (using suction for infants if necessary), and ensure they get adequate rest. If there is no fever, your child may continue attending school. Cough and cold medications are not usually advised for children.
If you suspect your child has the flu, keep them home from school and allow them to rest and hydrate. If your child has a chronic health condition, such as asthma or diabetes, or appears to be quite ill, reach out to your primary care physician. If the flu is identified within the first 48 hours, medications are available that may shorten the duration of illness by 1-2 days. Typically, children will recover with plenty of fluids and rest. Fever and pain-relieving medications can be administered as necessary.
How to Prevent Cold and Flu
To minimize the chances of colds and the flu, teach children to frequently wash their hands, cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and disinfect surfaces.
The most effective method for preventing the flu is getting the flu vaccine. It is recommended to receive a flu vaccine annually before the start of flu season to ensure your body is equipped (it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies).
Editors’ Note: For additional flu prevention strategies, see 6 ways to help your family stay healthy during flu season (infographic).
