How to Tell a Cold From the Flu
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Symptoms of a cold or flu can in a child can look very similar, they also both tend to usually occur around the same time during the winter and spring seasons. This can be very concerning for any parent, especially with young children who aren’t able to express what’s wrong yet.
The sooner you are able to spot how serious your child’s symptoms are, the quicker you are able to determine if they need medical attention to get them feeling better much faster!
Here are the key signs to look for in a sick child.
Cold symptoms
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Stuffed nose
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness
A common cold will typically work it’s way out of the system within several days, but some extra tlc can help speed up that process for your child. Drinking enough fluids and getting an adequate amount of rest can assist the body with a faster recovery.
Flu symptoms
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- High fever
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Chills
In extreme cases:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Much like a common cold, the flu can often be treated with age-appropriate over counter medicine, along with plenty of rest and fluids to stay hydrated. In certain scenarios, some children can have a more serious reaction to the flu and may require medical treatment. The most recommended method to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. Flu strains change quickly and often, so you want to ensure your child always has the most recent version of the flu vaccine.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms are ongoing, don’t seem to be improving or new symptoms develop, please click here or text (469) 382-3796 to contact our office for your child to be evaluated by a pediatrician.
Schedule an appointment today if you are concerned about symptoms your child may be having, or if you would like to schedule a flu vaccine appointment to prevent your child from experiencing this horrible illness.
