Cold or Flu – Which one does your child have?

Cold or Flu – Which one does your child have?

Sometimes it can be overwhelming – should you call the pediatrician or not? Many moms think they call the pediatrician too often. However, if your child has the flu, it is important to talk to a pediatrician. But how do you know if your child just has a common cold or the flu? Below you will find key differences between the two.Both the cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Typically, the cold is milder than the flu and generally doesn’t result in serious health problems.Sometimes it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two, but according the National Institutes of Health there are some obvious differences in symptoms.Symptoms the cold and flu may have in common:General aches %26 pains - colds sometimes have these, but they are common and often severe with the fluFatigue %26 weakness – colds are sometimes associated with this, but it usually /occurs with the flu and can last up to 2-3 weeksStuffy nose %26 sneezing – common with colds and sometimes occurs with the fluSore throat – common with colds and sometimes occurs with the fluChest discomfort %26 cough – mild to moderate with a hack for colds, but can be more severe with the fluSymptoms that are not shared by colds and flu’s:Fevers – rare in colds, while usually occur with the flu (100°F-102°F, occasionally higher in younger children)Headache – rare in colds, but common with the fluExtreme Exhaustion – never occurs with colds, but it usually occurs with the flu, especially at the beginning of the illnessComplications of the cold vs. the flu:The Cold – sinus congestion, middle ear infection, and asthmaThe Flu – Bronchitis, pneumonia, and can be life threateningIf you think your child is suffering from the flu be sure to contact your child’s pediatrician right away. If you’re still not sure, play it safe and talk to your child’s pediatrician.This article was brought to you by ReliaDose® - The Easy %26 Accurate Way to Give Medicine to Your Baby.Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Institutes of Allergy %26 Infectious Diseases – September 2005.