Print Window | Close Window

Symptom Snapshot: Know the Difference Between Cold vs. Flu

How do you know if your child has the flu or just a common cold? Both affect the respiratory system and cause similar symptoms. However, there are significant differences in the virus strains that cause each infection, as well as the severity of each illness.

A cold tends to creep up on you little-by-little. The three most frequent cold symptoms are nasal stuffiness, sneezing and sore throat. And, while your child might not feel 100 percent, if armed with enough tissues, he/she can still pursue most daily activities. A cold usually lasts for five to seven days, and when it's over, it's over.

The flu, on the other hand, strikes hard and fast, often with debilitating exhaustion. Flu usually makes you and your loved ones too sick and weak to go to work, school or even leave the bed. After most flu symptoms have passed, fatigue can still linger, making you feel miserable for two weeks or more. The flu can also lead to other serious complications, such as pneumonia and dehydration. Additionally, the virus can aggravate existing health conditions like asthma and diabetes, which affect many children.

Following is a simple symptom checklist to help you distinguish between cold and flu symptoms. And remember, children who come down with the flu may have additional symptoms that are uncommon in adults, including ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.

Pay close attention to symptoms, and contact your child's pediatrician if he/she:

• has flu-like symptoms or the symptoms worsen.
• has a high temperature for more than a few days.
• appears especially irritable or less responsive than usual.
• seems to get better, but then quickly feels worse again.