KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR COLD OR FLU

It’s distressing when in the middle of the school term, probably even in the middle of exams, your child wakes up one morning not feeling so well. There may be fever, a sore throat, runny nose or a full-fledged cold. The question is, do you treat a Cold or the Flu? Which is it?

Both a Cold and Flu have similar symptoms, and both are caused by a virus. You can tell one from the other, by how fast your child feels the symptoms. A Cold tends to come on gradually, but the Flu is quite sudden. A child can probably go to school with a Cold, but the Flu most likely comes with high temperatures, body aches and weakness, with possibly some nausea/vomiting and even diarrhea.

Acting in consultation with your doctor, a Cold can be treated with steam inhalations, nasal decongestants and home remedies like chicken soup or ginger tea.

In the case of Flu, which many parents opt to treat at home, it is recommended that you consult your doctor, as sometimes Flu may come with complications, especially in children who have asthma or other conditions, and children who are younger than 5 years.

While you’re getting in touch with your doctor, make sure the fever is kept down and that the child gets plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your doctor will most likely prescribe some anti-viral medications, to treat the flu and keep the virus from multiplying inside the body, and these must be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, otherwise they may not be as quick to act, or as effective. Above all, ensure that the child is kept in bed and gets plenty of rest.  It is important to alert your doctor if your child has fever for over 48 hours and is showing signs of dehydration.

Don’t be in a hurry to send your child back to school, as Flu is contagious. Your child’s constitution will also be weakened by the fever, and will create vulnerability to other infections. It’s wise to keep your child at home for at least two days after the symptoms and fever have disappeared. 

Most importantly, remember that you are not a doctor. You can administer some initial care, but it’s wise to report any fever or health problem to your doctor and seek medical advice at the earliest.