Colds and the flu - child

Definition

Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds. Symptoms of the common cold include:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Headache

The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus. COVID-19 is an illness that can cause many symptoms similar to a cold. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your child's health care provider to help you take care of your child with a cold or the flu.

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor about colds and the flu - child; Influenza - what to ask your doctor - child; Upper respiratory infection - what to ask your doctor - child; URI - what to ask your doctor - child; Swine flu (H1N1) - what to ask your doctor - child

Questions

What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19? How can I tell a cold apart from these illnesses?

  • Will my child have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous? Do I need to worry about my child having febrile seizures?
  • Will my child have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will my child be tired or achy?
  • How will I know if my child has an ear infection? How will I know if my child has pneumonia?
  • How will I know if my child has swine flu (H1N1) or another type of flu?

Can other people become sick from being around my child? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have other young children at home? How about somebody who is an older adult?

When will my child start to feel better? When should I worry if my child's symptoms have not gone away?

What should my child eat or drink? How much? How will I know if my child is not drinking enough?

What medicines can I buy at the store to help with my child's symptoms?

  • Can my child take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
  • Can my child take cold medicines?
  • Can my child's provider prescribe stronger medicines to help the symptoms?
  • Can my child take vitamins or herbs to make the cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if the vitamins or herbs are safe?

Will antibiotics make my child's symptoms go away faster? Are there medicines that can make the flu go away faster?

How can I keep my child from getting a cold or the flu?

  • Can children have flu shots? What time of year should the flu shot be given? Does my child need one or two flu shots every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for my child by not getting a flu shot? Does the regular flu shot protect my child against swine flu?
  • Will a flu shot keep my child from getting colds all year long?
  • Can being around smokers cause my child to get the flu more easily?
  • Can my child take vitamins or herbs to prevent the flu?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Influenza: flu: what to do if you get sick. www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm. Updated December 15, 2022. Accessed November 21, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Influenza: key facts about influenza (flu). www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm. Updated October 24, 2022. Accessed November 21, 2023.

Cherry JD. The common cold. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 7.

Ortiz JR, West TE. Influenza. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 47.

Related Links

Review Date: 11/6/2023
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com