Does my child have a cold or the flu?
Coughs, sniffles, muscle ache…what’s causing it? In general, colds tend to develop gradually while the flu can hit quite suddenly and make your child look and seem noticeably sicker.
Here’s a general guide to the key differences plus when to talk with your GP.
These are common symptoms of both colds and flu:1
Coughs, sniffles, muscle ache…what’s causing it? In general, colds tend to develop gradually while the flu can hit quite suddenly and make your child look and seem noticeably sicker.
Here’s a general guide to the key differences plus when to talk with your GP.
These are common symptoms of both colds and flu:1
Coughs
Headache
Sore Throat
Nasal Congestion
Coughs
Headache
Sore Throat
Nasal Congestion
What should I do?
✔ Do
Keep your child warm, comfortable, hydrated. Use over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatories as recommended
✖ Don't
Give cough medicines if your child is under six,1 and only use over-the-counter nasal products if directed2
When should I see a doctor?
If your child is under three months old and has a fever, see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, see your doctor if your child:2
• is unusually lethargic
• develops a rash or change in skin colour
• has trouble breathing
• can’t or won’t drink fluids
• cannot keep fluids down
• isn’t passing urine
• is very irritable
• has a recurring fever
What should I do?
✔ Do
Keep your child warm, comfortable, hydrated. Use over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatories as recommended
✖ Don't
Give cough medicines if your child is under six,1 and only use over-the-counter nasal products if directed2
When should I see a doctor?
If your child is under three months old and has a fever, see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, see your doctor if your child:2
• is unusually lethargic
• develops a rash or change in skin colour
• has trouble breathing
• can’t or won’t drink fluids
• cannot keep fluids down
• isn’t passing urine
• is very irritable
• has a recurring fever