The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. it is not the same as the common cold, even though many of the symptoms are similar. The common cold is caused by a different virus, and it is usually milder than the flu. Influenza is more likely to worsen and cause more serious complications.

How does the Influenza Virus Spread?

The influenza virus is most commonly spread through the air with the virus infecting others through the respiratory tract. Once it is in the body, the virus starts to replicate itself, leading to a swollen and inflamed respiratory tract. The virus then enters the bloodstream and the symptoms of flu begin to appear. This process continues for a few days, until the body’s immune system begins to fight it off.

Symptoms of Influenza

There are several symptoms associated with influenza, some or all of the following may be present:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Body aches
• Runny nose and/or congestion
• Fatigue

The basic symptoms of the flu are generally not dangerous; however, with the immune system weakened by the virus, the body is vulnerable to more serious infections. Additional complications that caretakers need to be watchful of are:

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Sinus problems
• Ear infections
• Worsening of pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or diabetes

What is the Stomach Flu?

The “stomach flu” is actually a misnomer. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches can be caused by viruses; however, they are not typically symptoms of influenza. Influenza is primarily a respiratory illness, not a gastrointestinal one.

The common cold is a contagious viral disease that infects the mucous membrane of the nose. There are more than 100 different viruses that can result in a cold, making it very difficult to find a cure. The common cold is most common during the cold winter months and affects individuals regardless of age. Most people catch a cold approximately 2 – 4 times per year.

The common cold is typically a mild infection and most individuals are able to recover in about a week without any intervention. However, sometimes the symptoms mimic other illnesses, such as influenza, and may require different treatment.

How are Colds Spread?

It is common knowledge that colds are contagious and quite easy to catch. Part of this is due to the length of time a person is contagious. An individual is contagious one day before the illness breaks out (before they even realize they’re sick) until one to three days after they feel better (people often think that the virus is gone, when in fact it is still being spread). The second stage is often when the cold virus is spread.

The first way cold infections are spread is by airborne droplets that are released whenever the sufferer coughs or sneezes. If another individual is nearby, the germs quickly travel to the that person, resulting in a new infection. A second and more common way germs are spread is when they are transferred to the sufferer’s hands when they cover their mouth and cough or sneeze and then touch other items around them. These germs are spread further when others touch the infected item, spreading the virus to their hands and then putting them close to their nose or mouth. When children have colds, they often are negligent about washing their hands after coughing or sneezing allowing the germs to spread quickly to others around them.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

There are many symptoms related to the common cold. The number of symptoms experienced and their severity will vary greatly with each cold. Some common symptoms that may be present are:

• Sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose (mucus gradually becomes thicker and more yellow)
• Swelling of mucus membrane
• Headache
• Coughing
• Feeling ill
• High temperature (this is more common in children)

How to Treat the Common Cold

Because of the large number of cold viruses, there is currently no cure for the common cold. If an individual has no other diseases, and the cold goes away in a week or two, there is usually no reason to see a doctor. Since the cold is caused by a virus rather than bacteria, antibiotics are not necessary.

There are many types of children’s cold medicines that are targeted to relieve the symptoms associated with the common cold, with varying results. Make sure you are informed of the dangers of these medicines before giving any of them to your child. For smaller children, no cold medicine is recommended, but parents have an option of natural remedies to help ease the discomfort from their child’s cold.

A fever is the body’s way of defending itself from bacteria and viruses. It is a common symptom in which the body’s internal temperature rises to levels above normal. When a fever is suspected, the body’s temperature is taken with a thermometer. If the levels are at the following, then a fever is present:

• Temperature in the mouth (oral) is at or over 37.5 °C (99.5 °F)
• Temperature under the arm (axillary) is at or over 37.2 °C (99.0 °F)
• Temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal) or in the ear (otic) is at or over 38.0°C (100.4°F)

Levels of Fevers

Fevers are classified into categories based on their severity and help determine when to seek medical advice:

• Low Grade fevers usually range from 38 – 39°C (100.4 – 102.2°F). Typically, no medical intervention is necessary with low-grade fevers. Fever reducers such as, acetominophen or ibuprofen, are often effective in lowering these temperatures.
• Moderate fevers usually range from 39 – 40°C (102.2 – 104.0°F). For moderate fevers, contact your pediatrician to determine if medical assistance is necessary.
• High Grade fevers usually range from 40 – 42°C (104.0- 107.6°F). Fevers at this level require medical intervention. Contact your pediatrician or local hospital right away for further treatment instructions.
• Hyperpyrexia occurs when a fever reaches levels above 42°C (107.6°F). Fevers this high are classified as medical emergencies and require immediate medical assistance.

Treating Fevers

There are many causes of a fever, and one of the most common is influenza, or the flu. While we are quick to stop a rising fever, it is a good sign that the body is fighting off the sickness. One of the most important things to do when a fever occurs is stay hydrated. Water is the most favored beverage, but sports drinks and electrolyte-replacing drinks designed specifically for preventing dehydration are also effective.

The main concern is keeping the fever under control so that it does not rise to dangerous levels. This is often accomplished by administering acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Be sure to carefully monitor the dosage and use age appropriate (Children or Infant) formulas. DO NOT give children any medication that contains aspirin as this can cause a disease of the liver known as Reye’s Syndrome.

Heat from a fever can also be removed by applying cold cloths to the forehead or bathing in tepid water. For children too small for medication, applying cool cloths or a tepid bath can offer relief safely.

A cough is a sudden, often repetitive contraction of the chest cavity resulting in a strong release of air from the lungs. It’s an involuntary action the body uses to remove substances that are irritating the breathing passages. These irritants can be produced by cold and flu viruses.

There are two main types of coughs:

• Dry coughs – These coughs are often the result of a “tickle” sensation in the throat and do not produce anything.
• Productive coughs – These coughs are often the result of drainage of fluids due to a cold or flu virus and produce phlegm.

How Do You Treat a Cough?

Treating a cough depends primarily on the causes and what type of cough you are dealing with. There are two main types of cough medicines: cough suppressants and expectorants. If you are treating a dry cough, then you want to use a cough suppressant (antitussive). Cough suppressants suppress the body’s urge to cough. For productive coughs, you will want to use an expectorant. These medicines are designed to loosen the mucus that lines the respiratory tract allowing it to flow more freely and cause less irritation.

When choosing a cough medicine, look carefully at which type of medication it is. Over-the-counter products are sometimes not clearly labeled as to whether they are suppressants or expectorants. Check with your pharmacist to find which medicine will best treat your child’s specific cough.

With the concerns of over-medicating children, you may want to investigate the many natural ways to treat your child’s cough.