It’s sometimes more difficult than you think to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, especially if you’re relying on a young child to describe the symptoms. Use the guide below to help you determine whether your child is fighting the flu or a cold.
Flu vs. Colds: A Guide to Symptoms |
Questions |
Cold |
Flu |
Was the onset of illness … |
slow? |
sudden? |
Does your child have … |
no fever? a mild fever? |
a high fever? |
Is your child's exhaustion level … |
mild? |
severe? |
Is your child … |
headache-free? |
having a headache? |
Is your child's appetite … |
normal? |
decreased? |
Are your child's muscles … |
fine? |
achy? |
Does your child have … |
no chills? |
chills? |
If your answers are mostly in the first column, it's more likely a cold. If most of your answers are in the second column, chances are that your child has the flu. Whether you think your child has the flu or a cold, you may want to contact your child’s doctor.
It’s important to note that some bacterial diseases, like strep throat or pneumonia, can look like the flu or a cold. So take your child to a doctor right away if he or she is getting worse instead of better; has trouble breathing; has a high fever, a bad headache, or a sore throat; or seems confused.
To treat the flu or a cold, offer your child plenty of fluids, rest, and extra comfort. You can give an over-the-counter pain reliever and cough syrup (NEVER ASPIRIN), but be extra careful to follow dosage guidelines. |
