How to differentiate between influenza and the common cold in children

How to Differentiate Between Influenza and the Common Cold in Children

Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses that can cause similar symptoms in children. However, there are some key differences between the two illnesses that can help you tell them apart. This is important because influenza can be a more serious illness than the common cold and may require different treatment.

Symptoms of Influenza and the Common Cold

The most common symptoms of influenza and the common cold include:

Fever: Influenza typically causes a higher fever than the common cold. In children, a fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Chills: Chills are a common symptom of influenza, but they are less common with the common cold.

Cough: A cough is a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, an influenza cough is typically more severe and may produce mucus.

Sore throat: A sore throat is a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, an influenza sore throat is typically more severe and may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

Runny nose: A runny nose is a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, an influenza runny nose is typically more severe and may produce clear or yellow mucus.

Headache: A headache is a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, an influenza headache is typically more severe and may be accompanied by light sensitivity.

Body aches: Body aches are a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, influenza body aches are typically more severe and may make it difficult to move.

Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of both influenza and the common cold. However, influenza fatigue is typically more severe and may make it difficult to concentrate.

Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom of influenza, but it is less common with the common cold.

Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of influenza in children, but it is less common with the common cold.

When to See a Doctor

If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher that lasts for more than two days

A cough that is severe or produces mucus

A sore throat that is severe or makes it difficult to swallow

A runny nose that is severe or produces yellow or green mucus

A headache that is severe or is accompanied by light sensitivity

Body aches that are severe or make it difficult to move

Fatigue that is severe or makes it difficult to concentrate

Nausea or vomiting

Treatment for Influenza and the Common Cold

There is no specific cure for influenza or the common cold. However, there are some treatments that can help relieve symptoms. These treatments include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve fever, headache, and body aches.

Decongestants: Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion.

Expectorants: Expectorants can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.

Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications can help shorten the course of influenza. They are most effective when taken within the first two days of symptoms.

Prevention of Influenza and the Common Cold

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent influenza and the common cold in your child:

Get your child vaccinated against influenza. The influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza. It is recommended that all children over six months of age get vaccinated against influenza every year.

Wash your child's hands frequently. Washing your child's hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Avoid contact with sick people. If your child is sick, keep them at home from school or daycare. If you are sick, avoid contact with your child.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze can help prevent the spread of germs.

Clean and disinfect surfaces. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can help prevent the spread of germs.

Conclusion

Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses that can cause similar symptoms in children. However, there are some key differences between the two illnesses that can help you tell them apart. This is important because influenza can be a more serious illness than the common cold and may require different treatment. If you are concerned that your child may have influenza, see a doctor right away.

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