Is it a cold or flu?
Your child is home from school with a sore throat, cough and high fever sent - it could be the flu, which is now already be
to? Or just a cold?
Although making the flu (or influenza) usually causes symptoms that someone feel worse than symptoms associated with a
Cold, it is not always easy to tell the difference between the two.
If most of your answers fell into the first category, chances are that your child has the flu. If you were your answers
usually in the second category, it is very likely a cold.
But do not be too quick to brush off your child's illness as just another cold. The important thing to remember is that
Flu symptoms can range from child to child (and they may change as the disease progresses) vary, so if you suspect the flu,
call the doctor. Even doctors often need a test to make it safe to say if a person has the flu or not, as the symptoms
can be so similar!
Some bacterial diseases, such as strep throat or pneumonia, as well as the flu or a cold can search. It is important that
immediate medical help if your child seems to be getting worse, is having any trouble breathing, has a high fever,
has a bad headache, has a sore throat, or seems confused.
While even healthy kids can have complications of the flu, children are a risk with certain medical conditions more. When
You think your child might have the flu, call your doctor.
Treatment
Some children with chronic diseases may be sicker with the flu and have to be hospitalized, and flu in a
Infant can also be dangerous. For seriously ill children or those with other special circumstances, doctors may prescribe a
antiviral drugs that can relieve flu symptoms, but only if it given within 48 hours of the onset of the flu.
Most of the time, you can for your child by ensuring that plenty of fluids, rest and extra comfort.
And if the doctor says it's not the flu? Ask if your child should get a flu shot.