| The fall and winter months are cold and flu season. Many children develop sore throats, a cough and sometimes a fever. So how can parents determine if that illness is just a cold or the flu? Both the cold and the flu can present similar symptoms, including cough, congestion and runny nose.
Dr. Lisa Venable, a pediatrician at Midtown Pediatrics, offers these tips. “In general, the flu hits a lot harder than a cold does, and a lot quicker,” she says. “You can have a high fever, fatigue and body aches and feel very, very tired.” SIGNS OF THE FLU
Dr. Venable says now is the time to consider a flu shot. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the flu shot for everyone over 6 months old. Flu shots can still be administered all the way through the end of the flu season in February or March. In the event a child does get sick, there are things parents can do to help mitigate symptoms. “Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids,” Dr. Venable says. “You can give Tylenol or Motrin if they have a fever. And make sure they are getting plenty of rest.” TREATMENT
Dr. Venable advises parents to bring their child to the doctor if they’re concerned, however, she says it’s not necessary to see the pediatrician for a cold. Most of the time parents can care for their children with plenty of rest, fluids and extra comfort. |
