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Flu vs. Cold
Monday, November 12, 2012
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| Coughing, sneezing, and stuffy noses signal the return of cold and flu season. For you or your child, these respiratory symptoms mean that you’ve caught a virus, but which one?
Though symptoms are similar, the flu is generally worse than the common cold, and can mean fevers, body and head aches, chills, and extreme tiredness. Colds are generally milder and result in far fewer serious health complications that might lead to hospitalization, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia.
A recent report from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health shows that only three laboratory-confirmed cases of flu have been identified in the area so far this season. However, flu season is approaching, and it’s a good idea for you and your children to get the flu vaccine before any outbreaks occur.
If your child comes home sick from school, keep an eye on those symptoms. Many illnesses -- like strep throat or pneumonia -- present themselves like the cold or flu, but require a doctor’s attention and possibly antibiotics. The common cold, though not usually a serious illness in itself, can lead to some respiratory complications if you or your child has asthma.
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FLU AND COLD RELIEF:
Often colds and the flu just have to run their course, but you can get relief from the symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help ease fever, cough, and congestion, but if you’re not comfortable with taking medications or giving them to your young children, there are also some more natural ways to relieve discomfort caused by the cold or flu: |
| Symptom: |
OTC |
Natural |
| Fever |
• Ibuprofin (Advil or Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 due to an increased risk for the rare Reye’s Syndrome |
This is one symptom for which you should consider over-the-counter medications; high-grade fevers over 103 (over 101 for infants under three months old) are considered serious, and require medication and follow-up with your physician. |
| Stuffy nose |
• Nasal decongestants (oral or nasal spray)
• Antihistamines like Benedryl or an all-in-one cold reliever like Theraflu, which can cause drowsiness
• Newer antihistamines (Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec), which are less sedating |
Saline nasal spray |
| Cough |
Cough suppressants to stop cough, or expectorants to thin mucus and make your cough more productive (dextromethorphan or guaifenesin found in products like Robitussin) |
Honey coats the throat and is a natural cough reliever; try a spoonful of honey on its own, or in a cup of warm tea or water |
| Irritated throat |
Medicated cough drops |
• Honey can be soothing on a scratchy throat
• Any hard candy that can be sucked will coat the throat, but should not be given to children under 5 as it presents a choking hazard |
| Sore throat |
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium) |
Any sore throat that is very painful or lasts for more than 5 days could be strep throat or another bacterial infection and should be checked by your physician |
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