Flu or common cold?
Flu or common cold?
18 Aug, 2024
MD, DNB,
Consultant Pediatrician
Smile Children Clinic
Andheri, Mumbai
In my last 3 decades of practice as a Children Specialist doctor, one area where parents ( and sometimes doctors too ! ) struggled is to understand that common cold and flu are two different diseases. I understand, they have many things in common and may look similar to each other but they are two distinct illnesses. These are essentially caused by different germs (viruses), they look different in children, one of them has far more potential to become a serious health issue, and most importantly, one of them is easily preventable by vaccine.
Today, we will see how parents should differentiate between common cold and flu and why should parents differentiate in the first place!
Although both are viral diseases (meaning antibiotics will not help in both of these). Common cold is caused by different viruses than flu, namely Rhinoviruses, Parainfluenza viruses and seasonal coronaviruses. These coronaviruses are not the ones which cause Covid 19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. The viruses causing flu are different, these are called Influenza viruses and has many types.
Both of these spread by respiratory droplets during sneezing, coughing, talking etc and also through contaminated surfaces. Hence it is important to take precautions like covering nose and mouth and frequently washing hands.
The flu typically comes on fast and furious, with a fever, chills, muscle aches, and a cough that just won't quit. So flu begins much more abruptly than common cold which comes a bit slowly. Flu symptoms are far more severe as compared to common cold so more of headache, body pains and chills in flu than common cold. One thing to differentiate between the two: common cold has more symptoms related to nose and throat : more of stuffy nose or running nose or sneezing or sore throat in common cold than flu. You can compare flu to a puppy which got hit by a truck, and all they'll want to do is cuddle up in bed, whimpering like a sad puppy !
Children with common cold will not be feeling their best, but they'll probably still have enough energy to cause a little chaos around the house!
So why exactly does it matter if it's the flu or a cold? Well, the flu can be way more serious. It can lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in younger kids (and grandparents!). Sometimes there are superadded bacterial infections which might need antibiotics. Rarely flu may lead to admission to hospital which is never a case in common cold. Luckily , flu has Antiviral treatment available which your child specialist doctor will decide whether to use or not. And these are precisely the reasons why one must separate them out so you and we can be little more careful in flu.
Here's the golden rule: If your child seems sick and miserable, with a fever and chills, it's best to call the pediatrician. They can help you figure out if it's the flu and recommend the best course of treatment.
Apart from the measures described above for stay away from these viral infections, there is simple flu shots (Flu Vaccine) for preventing flu. Flu vaccine needs two doses the first time and then a single yearly dose. The flu vaccine is your best weapon! It's like a superhero suit that helps child's body fight off the flu. And remember you too need flu shot - yes parents and grandparents too!
By knowing the difference between the flu and a cold, and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your child stay healthy and happy all season long.