How to know the difference between a cold, the flu, and allergies

In the winter months it is not uncommon for your child to become sick. Sometimes as a parent it can be difficult to determine what exactly is causing your child’s symptoms. The information below can help parents to understand the differences between having a cold, the flu, and allergies. 

A cold generally causes children to have a gradual onset of fever (>100.4°F), cough, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, or sore throat. Colds are an upper respiratory viral infection. These viruses can take children anywhere from 5 to 7 days to fight off symptoms. Symptomatic care is generally recommended. Your child’s health care provider can check to make sure the virus is not causing any secondary bacterial infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. 

The flu (influenza) is a specific family of viral infections that generally cause children to have an abrupt onset of high fever (>100.4°F), cough, runny nose, body aches, chills, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue or malaise. Influenza commonly causes your child to appear more sick than a regular cold. This is due to the overwhelming amount of inflammation produced by your body’s immune system to fight off the virus. This inflammation produced by your body is what makes complications more common with influenza. These complications include ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and sometimes even death. Children with underlying health conditions are more at risk for these specific complications. Symptomatic care is generally recommended to help children be more comfortable as they fight off the influenza virus. However, treatment with Tamiflu can help to stop the progression of the influenza virus in the body if given within 48 hours of symptom onset. Usually this will shorten the length of the influenza infection by 24 hours and reduce risks of complications. The best way to prevent influenza is through annual vaccination in the fall and good hand washing. 

Allergies are caused by environmental triggers such as pollens, molds, pet dander, or dust. Symptoms of allergies include runny nose, red itchy watery eyes, itchy throat, sneezing, or cough. Allergies are rare in children under 2 years of age. Sometimes these symptoms can follow a seasonal pattern or appear random. Generally daily use of antihistamines and nasal steroids is recommended for treatment. As well as avoiding or reducing exposure to environmental triggers. Monitoring allergen levels through your local news can help you to know which triggers are high and when to start medicines for your child. Only in rare cases do allergies cause secondary infections. However you can reduce your risk with proper symptom management and control.

Please contact your health provider if you have any questions regarding your child’s symptoms or if you feel that your child needs to be seen by your healthcare provider.

*Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.