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Colds and the flu - what to ask your doctor - child

Definition

Symptoms of the common cold are a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Your child may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms. Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds.

The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your child’s doctor or nurse to help you take care of your child’s cold or flu.

Alternate Names

What to ask your doctor about colds and the flu - child; Influenza - what to ask your doctor - child; Upper respiratory infection - what to ask your doctor - child; URI - what to ask your doctor - child

Questions

What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu? How can I tell them apart?

Will my child have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous? Do I need to worry about my child having febrile seizures?
Will my child have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will my child be tired or achy?
How will I know if my child has an ear infection? How will I know if my child has pneumonia?

Can other people become sick from being around my child? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have other young children at home? How about somebody who is elderly?

When will my child start to feel better? When should I worry that their symptoms have not gone away?

What should I eat or drink? How much? How will I know if my child is not drinking enough?

What medicines can I buy at the store to help with the symptoms?

Can my child take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
Can my child take cold medicines?
Are there stronger medicines that my child’s doctor can prescribe to help the symptoms?
Are there vitamins or herbs that will make my child’s cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if they are safe?

Will antibiotics make my child's symptoms go away faster? Are there medicines that can make the flu go away faster?

How can I keep a child from getting a cold or the flu?

Can children have a flu shot? What time of year should it be given? Does my child need one or two every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for my child if they do not get a flu shot?
Will a flu shot keep my child from getting colds all year long?
Does being around smokers cause my child to get the flu more easily?
Are there vitamins or herbs that my child can take to prevent the flu?

Review Date: 3/15/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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