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Health Information For Parents
Your child has a sore throat, cough, and high fever. Could it be the flu? Or just a cold?
The flu usually makes kids feel worse than if they have a cold. But it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the two. Here are tips on what to look for — and what to do.
Answer these questions to see if your child has the flu or a cold:
Flu vs. Colds: A Guide to Symptoms
If most of your answers are “yes,” chances are your child has the flu. If your answers are mostly “no,” it’s probably a cold.
If you have any doubts, it’s best to call the doctor. An illness that seems like a cold can turn out to be the flu. And other illnesses, like strep throat or pneumonia, can seem like the flu. Even doctors sometimes need to do a test to know for sure if a child has the flu or a cold.
It’s important to get medical care right away if your child:
Most of the time, you can care for your child at home with plenty of liquids, rest, and comfort.
Even healthy children can struggle with the flu. But some kids — like those younger than 5 or kids with asthma — are more likely to have problems if they get the flu. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe an antiviral medicine to lessen flu symptoms.
Get the basics on how flu spreads and how to protect yourself.
The flu can make you sick for a week or more. Find out how to get protected from the influenza virus.
Learn all about protecting your family from the flu and what to do if your child gets flu-like symptoms.
Kids can get up to eight colds a year – or more. The common cold sends more kids to the doctor than any other illness.
Telltale signs of the flu include a sore throat, body aches and fever. Here’s what to do if your child has the flu.
Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on colds and ways to feel better when you catch one.
Here are some quick tips for helping your child get over the flu.
The flu vaccine is a good idea for all families. It does not cause the flu, and it helps keep kids and parents from getting sick.
Colds are the most common infectious disease in the United States – and the top reason kids visit the doctor and miss school.
Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and are worse than the sneezing and stuffiness of a cold. The flu is very contagious. Find out what to do in this article for parents.
Follow these tips to help prevent the spread of the flu.