Cold or flu – What is the child?
Both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Normally, the cold is milder than the flu and generally does not lead to serious health problems.
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the difference between the two, but according the National Institutes of Health there are some obvious differences in symptoms.
Symptoms of colds and flu may have:
Discomfort general and pains – Colds sometimes have these, but they are common and often severe with the flu
Fatigue and weakness colds – are sometimes associated with this, but usually occurs with the flu and may last up to 2-3 weeks
Stuffy nose and sneezing – common colds, and sometimes occurs with the flu
Sore throat – Same as colds and sometimes occurs with the flu
Chest discomfort and cough – mild to moderate with a hack for colds, but can be more severe with the flu
The symptoms that are not shared by colds and flu:
Fevers – rare in colds, while usually present with flu (F 100 ° F-102 degrees, sometimes higher in younger children)
Headache – rare in colds, but with the common cold
Extreme exhaustion – does not occur with colds, but it usually occurs with the flu, especially early in the disease
Complications of the cold against influenza:
The cold – sinus congestion, middle ear infection and asthma
Flu – Bronchitis, pneumonia and can be life threatening
If you think your child has flu sure to contact your pediatrician immediately.
If you are still unsure, play it safe and talk with your child's pediatrician.
This article brought to you by ReliaDose ® –
The easy and accurate way to give medicine to your baby.
www.ReliaDose.com
Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases – September 2005 www.niaid.nih.gov
About the Author
Dreama Kirby is the Chief Marketing Officer at ReliaDose. Invented by a mom, ReliaDose takes the stress out of giving medicine to your baby. It’s accurate because you control the dosing while your baby feeds naturally.
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