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Distinguishing the Common Cold from
the Flu
As the flu season comes upon us and our
children seem to have the endless running nose and cough, the question often comes up as
to whether they have the flu or not. Deciding this is difficult even for pediatricians,
because the symptoms of the flu can be somewhat variable in children. There is a test that
can be done, but it takes about a week to get the results, which makes the utility of it
minimal. Therefore, the diagnosis of the flu is generally made by assessing the signs and
symptoms in your child, as well as knowing whether the flu virus has arrived in your town.
The table below will help you assess the likelihood that your child's symptoms may be
caused by the flu.
As always, it is a good idea to keep in
close contact with your health care provider if you feel your child has the flu, but
hopefully the following table can lend some assistance for all you parent-warriors
battling this cold and flu season.
| |
The Common Cold |
The Flu |
| Cause |
Multiple viruses
can do it |
Influenza A or B
virus |
| When |
Anytime of the
year |
Late fall and
winter |
| How Spread |
Droplets from
nose and throat |
Same |
| Incubation |
Can be up to two
weeks |
Usually two days |
| Fever |
Occasionally |
Almost always |
| Chills |
Rarely |
Common |
| Muscle Aches |
Occasionally |
Common &
sometimes severe |
| Headaches |
Occasionally |
Common |
| Sore Throat |
Mild and
intermittent |
Painful and more
persistent |
| Cough |
Common |
Common |
| Diarrhea |
Can be common |
Uncommon |
| Vomiting |
Can be common |
Not usually |
| Pneumonia |
Very uncommon |
Can occur |
| Treatment |
Over the counter
medications for symptoms |
Anti Viral Drugs
(Amantidine or Rimantidine) |
| Prevention |
Careful hand
washing |
Flu vaccine/
Hand washing |
If you think your child has Flu
(Influenza), contact your Doctor immediately. |
