All parents are familiar with this term “Back-to-School Season”. As you know it's not only about the holiday or summer season, but it's all about the Cold and Flu Season. The common cold and flu can similarly affect children as they affect adults, but there are some differences in terms of susceptibility and symptoms.
Common Cold vs. Flu: How To Tell The Difference In Children
What Is A Common Cold In Children?
A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your kid’s nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe. Some of the symptoms are Sneezing, Runny nose, Stuffy nose (nasal congestion), Cough, hoarseness of voice.
What Is The Flu In Children?
The flu is an illness your kid may get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe.
Now you know how to differentiate between a cold and a flu when your child is affected by one!
The common cold in children is most often caused by rhinoviruses, although other viruses such as adenoviruses and coronaviruses can also be responsible. The viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets, which can be spread when an infected child coughs, sneezes or has close contact with others. Additionally, children can contact the virus by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their faces.
On an average, children may experience about 6-8 colds per year. However, this can vary widely depending on various factors such as the child's age, overall health, and exposure to infected individuals.
Many colds, which is a sign of a weak immune system. It just means he or she is exposed to many viruses.
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Is It Just A Common Cold Or Something Serious?
- Typical cold symptoms are a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and a mild sore throat.
- Some children may not want to eat, have a headache, or be more tired than usual.
- Colds can sometimes cause fever, but the fever usually isn’t very high.
- Colds usually last about a week but can last for as long as 2 weeks.
How Does Cold And Flu Spread?
Cold viruses are found in the nose and throat. This is because children touch their noses, eyes, and mouths often. They also tend to put things in their mouth and touch each other while playing. All these factors lead to cold germs spreading easily.
- Children with colds get viruses on their hands when they touch their runny noses or mouths or when they cough or sneeze. When they touch other children, they pass on the virus.
- Children with a cold get viruses on their hands and then touch an object, such as a toy or furniture. Cold viruses can live on objects for several hours and can be picked up at the hands of other children who touch the same object. These children then get infected when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Some cold viruses may spread through the air when a child with cold coughs or sneezes. Droplets from the cough or sneeze may reach another child’s nose or mouth.
When To Consult Your Doctor?
When your child experiences these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor :
- Fever
- Difficulty in breathing
- Severe cough and vomiting
- Ear ache
- Thick and discolored (yellow or green) discharge from the nose with cold.
How To Treat This Common Colds?
- There is no cure for a common cold. Colds usually go away on their own
- Use saline drops/ spray to clear nasal congestion
- Avoid dairy products
- Avoid exposure to cold water or cold items
Home Remedies
- Honey and pepper – Very effective in relieving cough because of its antioxidant properties can be given 2-3 times in a day
- Salt gargling – to soothe the sore throat, ask the child to do lukewarm salt water to gargle twice a day
- Turmeric milk – turmeric has antiseptic properties, fights against viral infections, and treats colds and cough
- Steam – make the child inhale fumes with an essential oil like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender oil to ease the nasal block and ease the congestion
- Fluids – keep your child hydrated, allow them to drink plenty of fluids like fresh juices, soups, or any herbal decoction, this helps to ease the congestion and expel the phlegm.
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Tips For Parents: Keeping Kids Healthy During The School Year
- Regular vaccinations – this will not prevent cold or flu but will prevent complications of the bacterial or viral infection which affects the lungs or ears.
- Hygiene – educate your child to wash their hands and face after playing, before & after eating, and after any outdoor activity.
- Educate your children to stay away from the infected person.
- Like the saying “Prevention is better than cure” , make a habit of eating supplements to boost your kid’s immunity and reduce the frequency of getting cold and flu often.
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Foods To Consume To Stay Away From Cold And Flu
- Probiotics – Probiotics found in yogurt support the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which play a vital role in improving immune functions.
- Fruits – Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.
- Veggies – Carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and other brightly coloured vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune health.
- Eggs- Eggs are a good source of protein and contain important nutrients like vitamin D, which plays a role in immune regulation.
- Nuts and seeds:-Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and zinc, which support immune function.
Key Takeaways
- The common cold and flu can similarly affect children as they affect adults, but there may be differences in susceptibility and symptoms.
- On average, children may experience about 6-8 colds per year, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, health, and exposure to viruses.
- Children can contract cold and flu viruses through respiratory droplets, close contact with infected individuals, or touching contaminated surfaces.
- Typical cold symptoms in children include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and a mild sore throat. Fever is usually not very high.
- To reduce the frequency of cold and flu, Boost your kids' immunity with healthy home-made foods and have a habit of taking dietary supplements regularly.
Note - Please note that these are general recommendations, and it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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