Cold and Flu Symptoms and Treatments

January 11, 2018

The New Year is here and there is much to celebrate! However, as much as we would have liked to have left the cold and flu season back in 2017, unfortunately it is still in high gear. Therefore, it is important to understand cold and flu symptoms and when treatment is necessary.

The flu can be serious for people of all ages, but when it comes to children, it can be life threatening. If you feel like your child is coming down with something but are unsure of whether it’s a cold or the flu, refer to this handy guide on cold and flu symptoms and treatments and know that Holly Springs Pediatrics is here around the clock when you need us.

Cold Symptoms

By now, most of us are familiar with cold symptoms. However, here is an overview of what you can expect.

• A cold typically begins with a sore throat that fades after a few days
• By day 4 or 5, a runny nose, cough, congestion, and may nasal symptoms develop
• While fevers are not common for adults with a cold, they may occur in children
• Cold symptoms usually last for about a week and are contagious for the first three days

If cold symptoms do not improve after a week, antibiotics may be needed to treat a bacterial infection. Additionally, if your child has a fever, specifically an infant with a fever over 100.4, we suggest coming into the office, or calling our office to speak to a nurse or the doctor to determine if medical treatment is warranted.

Flu Symptoms

Unlike a cold which has a gradual onset, flu symptoms tend to arise quickly and are far more severe than the symptoms of a cold. The most common flu symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever
• Cough
• Congestion
• Muscle soreness and aches

Although the flu is a respiratory virus, children may also experience diarrhea and vomiting. Please contact our office for an appointment or to speak with a medical professional if you believe your child may have the flu.

Cold and Flu Treatment

Unfortunately, since a cold and the flu are a virus, there is little that can be done in terms of treatment. In many cases, the virus must run its course. However, in order to relieve your child’s  pain caused by the cold or flu, you can opt for an anti-inflammatory drug such as infant or child ibuprofen. Please refer to our dosage calculator or call our office if you have questions on the dosage.

We recommend a daily multivitamin to help keep your children healthy and cold and flu free. Also, using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room may help respiratory issues.

When Cold and Flu Symptoms Strike, Holly Springs Pediatrics is Here

If you feel that your child needs medical attention for their cold and flu symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our office 24 hours a day. You may also request an online appointment via our website. From all of us at Holly Springs Pediatrics, we wish you a happy and healthy 2018!