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KidTOPICS: COLD vs. FLU ?
Over 25 million people in the United States will get the flu each year. About 60 million people will catch a cold. With both being similar in many cases, there are clear distinctions pediatricians typically make in figuring out whether signs and symptoms are that of a cold or the flu.
How do you know whether you or your child's symptoms are a simple cold or the flu?
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COLD
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FLU
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| No or minimal fever |
Fever above 102 |
| Cough, runny nose, sore throat |
Mainly cough |
| Minimal aches |
Severe body aches/head aches |
| Doctor can see runny nose, congested nose, red throat, etc. |
Often the doctor finds very few signs of illness, other than a very sick appearing patient |
| Slow onset |
Very fast onset |
In both cases, children are probably the most significant source of passing infection to others, including giving it to adults within the family.
It is important to know the differences between the two because the best treatments are different, as are the risks, especially to the elderly and those with poor immune system function.
| COLD |
FLU |
| NO medication cures |
Prescription medications can shorten the course of illness and prevent complications |
| Self-limiting (gets better on own) |
Occasionally causes pneumonia, blood infections, on other problems to elderly and those with poor immune systems |
| Prevention is the best treatment |
Getting a flu shot, early treatment with medication and prevention are the best treatment |
Preventive measures for both include:
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Routine hand-washing
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Avoid sharing cups, forks and spoons and having close, intimate contact with those that have symptoms
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Keep yourself in good physical shape by exercising regularly, eating the right foods, and getting plenty of sleep
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Traditional treatments that won't shorten the course of both the cold and flu, but may help alleviate some symptoms include:
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Decongestants to break down congestion and promote drainage
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Antihistamines to reduce sneezing, dry out mucus, and help you rest
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Cough suppressants to alleviate coughs and calm irritated throats
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Expectorants to loosen mucus allowing it to drain better from sinuses and the lungs.
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Analgesics to reduce pain and fever
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Alternative treatments, some of which have been shown in studies to help shorten duration of symptoms include:
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Zinc lozenges (don't swallow, but suckle on them)
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Echinacea (pills or teas)
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Goldenseal
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Vitamin C
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Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, no matter which you might have - with both colds and true flu illness, it is important not to get dehydrated.
Steven J. Halm, DO, FAAP, FACP
Founder, President YourPediatrician.com, Inc.
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