Is It A Common Cold Symptom or The Flu?

Your child comes home with a sore throat. Is this a common cold symptom or the flu? Should you make a doctor's appointment or wait it out?

Here are the differences between the two illnesses:

Cold Symptoms

2. Rarely a headache

3. Slight Aches and Pains

4. Never extreme exhaustion. Sometimes there will be some general aches and pains.

5. Stuffy nose is normal

6. Sneezing is normal

7. Sore Throat is normal

8. Cough can be mild to moderate with a slight hacking

TREATMENT:

The best advice for the common cold is to rest, drink liquids and take some type of over the counter medication to ease the symptoms. (check with your doctor if you have young children. Some cold medications are not safe for small children!)

Flu Symptoms

2. Headaches and body aches are normal and sometimes severe

3. Extreme Exhaustion is common and can last several weeks

4. Stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat are more rare

5. Coughs are normal and can be severe

TREATMENT:

If caught by your doctor within the first 2 days, Tamiflu can be prescribed. Since Tamiflu does not work for colds or RSV, your doctor can test you to be sure you do in fact have the flu.

Also, the flu requires rest and plenty of liquids.

Be sure to check with your doctor if your cough does not go away or worsens. Often times the flu can become Bronchitis or pneumonia!



SOURCE: U.S. Department Of Health and Human Services September 2005


Want more common cold symptom and flu information? Check out the Mommy Blog!