Everyone seems to be sick during cold and flu season.

What do they have? A lot have the flu, some have strep, and others just have the common cold.

How do you know what your child may have and whether or not to take him to the doctor?

Recognizing the symptoms of common pediatric conditions can be helpful.

Flu Symptoms

Many people recognize the symptoms of the flu, including:

• high fever
  
• headache
  
• cough
  
• sore throat
  
• runny nose
  
• body aches
  
• tiredness
  
• vomiting and diarrhea (especially in younger children)

And remember that these symptoms can last about five to seven days before they start to improve, although your child may get better a little faster if he starts an antiviral medication, like Tamiflu, within 48 hours of getting sick.

Cold Symptoms

The other common infection that kids get during cold and flu season is the common cold. Symptoms of the common cold are similar to the flu, except that they simply aren't as bad, so the child will likely have:

• runny or stuffy nose
  
• cough
  
• low grade fever or no fever
  
• sore throat
  
• normal activity level

Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat symptoms often confuse parents, who think any sore throat can be strep. Instead, kids are more likely to have strep when they have classic strep throat symptoms, including:

• fever
  
• sore throat
  
• red tonsils that may have exudate (white pus)
  
• swollen glands in the child's neck
  
• a rash (scarlet fever)
  
• vomiting and abdominal pain
  
• a lack of other viral symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough

Understanding whether your child has a cold or the flu or some other condition, such as strep throat or a sinus infection, can be helpful so that you avoid unnecessary treatments.

	Web keepkidshealthy.com

Also visit:
ADHD advice and information
Expert Pediatrician - child health and parenting advice
About Pediatrics - Expert Pediatric Parenting Advice
Father's First Year - read about Dr. Iannelli's new book