Cold vs. flu symptoms | HealthPartners Blog

Cough. Sneeze. Shiver. Hack.

There are dozens, possibly hundreds of words to describe the physical symptoms we experience when we get sick. And while they’re not always pleasing to talk about, these pesky details can be important signs in spotting the difference between a common cold and influenza (the seasonal “flu”).

Is it a wheezing dry cough, or phlegm-filled sneeze? Did you start feeling feverish quickly, or over a few days? Catching symptoms early can help you take the right steps to recover quickly – and protect others from getting sick.

So, how can you tell the difference between flu symptoms and cold symptoms? Here’s what you need to know.

Cold vs. flu symptom chart: A side-by-side look at the signs of sickness

Influenza and colds are two contagious viruses that share a lot of the same symptoms. But how you may experience those symptoms and how common they are is usually different. Here’s a side-by-side cold and flu symptom chart that gives an overview of the similarities and differences.

Reading the signs: How you can tell the difference between flu and cold symptoms

1.

Flu symptoms hit fast

The flu will often surprise you with how quickly symptoms begin, and how serious the illness can become. Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.

How long does the flu last?

Flu onset usually happens about one to four days after infection, and symptoms typically last five to seven days. However, fatigue can stick around for a few extra days.

How long does a cold last?

A cold comes on gradually and will usually last longer than the flu. Cold germs are contagious for the first three days. And while your cough and congestion can last up to three weeks, other cold symptoms that last more than a week such as fever, chest discomfort or sinus pain may be a sign of a bacterial or sinus infection.

If you experience long-lasting symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk with a doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.

2. Colds don’t usually come with a significant fever

While you may be running a little warmer, colds rarely come with a significant fever. And while you can still have the flu without a fever, the flu typically comes with a few days above 100° Fahrenheit.

A flu fever will likely come on fast. This is an especially common flu symptom in kids. Keep an eye on the little ones and the elderly, as they will be more susceptible to complications. Also, keep drinking liquids and get lots of rest.

3. A dry cough screams influenza

While a cough is both a cold symptom and a flu symptom, the type of cough you experience is very different. The flu will cause a dry cough that does not produce mucus. But a cold often produces mucus, so a wet phlegm cough is common.

4. Sore throat, sneezing or stuffy nose are more common cold symptoms

If you have these symptoms, you most likely have a cold. While sneezing or a stuffy nose could accompany the flu, they are more common during a cold.

5. The flu comes with muscle aches

Aches and pains are very common with the flu but rare with a cold. If you’re running a fever and experiencing general achiness, it’s almost certainly the flu.

6. Extreme fatigue is a telltale sign of the flu

If you’re dragging, or feeling extreme fatigue, it’s likely from the flu. Sometimes you’ll continue feeling run down for a few days even after other flu symptoms stop. On the other hand, a cold will rarely stop you from performing your day-to-day tasks.

We’ve all had colds and know that you can get a mild fever, achiness or cough with it. But if you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, it’s more likely that you have the flu.

What’s the difference between COVID-19, cold and flu symptoms?

Like the common cold and influenza, COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus that produces respiratory symptoms. So, all three illnesses can share many of the same symptoms.

As COVID-19 has changed and produced different variants, it’s becoming more difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and the flu or a cold. With some COVID-19 variants, like Delta, you’ll likely have a high fever along with a persistent dry cough, which are similar to flu symptoms. But symptoms for the Omicron variant are more similar to common cold symptoms like a stuffy nose, sore throat or headache.

So, if you have flu or cold symptoms, you could have COVID-19, even if you’re fully vaccinated. You probably know you can get the flu even after your flu shot. Similarly, if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s possible to get breakthrough COVID-19 – but it’s unlikely that you’ll have severe symptoms.

The only way to rule out the coronavirus is by getting tested for COVID-19.

Cold and flu remedies to get you feeling better faster

So, how do you treat the flu at home if you think you have it? What about a cold? How can you start feeling better? Read on.

Start with home remedies for colds and flu

You should stay home if you’re sick – especially if you have a fever. Actually, it’s always recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away without the use of fever-reducing medications. Here are some steps you can take at home to feel better:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids (focus on water).
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help lower your temperature, and get some headache or muscle ache relief. Warning: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu, as it comes with a small risk of causing the potentially fatal Reye Syndrome.

Get advice from a nurse

Our care lines make it easy for you to talk directly with a nurse 24/7, 365 days a year. The best part? It’s completely free of charge.

Our nurses can help you decide if it’s time to see a doctor and give you some additional home remedy advice. To talk with a nurse, you can call the HealthPartners CareLine℠ at 800-551-0859 or the Park Nicollet Nurse Line at 952-993-4665 .

Get treatment and care without leaving the house

Whether you’re stuck at home with a fever or you aren’t quite ready to leave your house yet, you can still get quality cold and flu treatment online. Here’s how:

• Make a video visit appointment to meet with your preferred primary care doctor or a clinician.
• Start a Virtuwell visit for 24/7 treatment without an appointment. Just answer a few questions, and you’ll get your diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified nurse practitioner for $59 or less, depending on your insurance.

There’s no prescription medication that can knock out a cold. But if you have the flu, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can help. These fight the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body, and work best when started within 48 hours after symptoms start.

During your video visit or Virtuwell visit, your doctor or clinician will determine whether an antiviral medication should be part of your treatment plan. If needed, they’ll write you a prescription and send it to your pharmacy of choice.

Go to the emergency room if serious flu symptoms arise

Colds rarely turn into something more serious. But influenza can have very serious complications. Head to the emergency room if you or your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Flu-like symptoms that improved but then returned worse
• Chest pain or pressure
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Specifically, for children, go to your nearest emergency room if your child:

• Is less than 3 months old and has a fever of above 100.4° Fahrenheit
• Is between 3 months old and 3 years old, has a fever of above 100.4° Fahrenheit, and is showing signs of dehydration (e. g. dry eyes or mouth, hasn’t urinated in several hours)
• Has a fever with rash
• Has skin or lips that have turned gray or blue
• Is extremely irritable
• Isn’t eating or drinking
• Isn’t waking up or interacting with you

Bonus: Get a flu shot to reduce your chances of getting the flu

Vaccines help protect us and those around us from certain diseases by helping our bodies build immunity.

Getting an annual flu shot is easy and it can reduce your chances of getting influenza by up to 60%. And if you do get sick, your flu symptoms will be less severe and you’re less likely to need hospital care to recover.

Flu shots are typically available starting in early September, and it’s highly recommended that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated by the end of October. Pregnant people – particularly those in their third trimester of pregnancy – should receive a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Flu shots are safe for pregnant women and have been shown to reduce the risk of influenza in infants during the first months of life.

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is important, too. COVID-19 vaccines are readily available. And data suggest all currently authorized vaccines are effective in preventing illness from COVID-19, with the greatest protection coming against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Should You See a Doctor?

Welcome to cold and flu season. It’s that icky time of year where everyone around you seems to be coughing and blowing their noses, and soon you may find yourself doing it, too. So, how do you know when you have a cold and when it’s the flu? Both colds and the flu are brought into the body through the mucous membranes, which are located in the nose, eyes and mouth. Cold and flu viruses are passed around by touching your nose, eyes or mouth with your hands. Frequent hand washing is an important part of staying cold- and flu-free this year.

Do I have a cold?

Several hundred viruses can cause a cold and symptoms develop two or three days after exposure to the virus. They can begin with a watery, runny nose and possibly a sore throat that lasts one to two days. Colds are contagious for the first three days, so anyone who comes down with a cold should stay home for at least that amount of time. After that, the runny nose then becomes thicker and darker, and nasal congestion can develop creating that “stuffed up” feeling. Dark colored nasal secretions do not mean that an infection has developed. That is simply how colds run their course.

By the fourth or fifth day of a cold, a cough may develop. Fevers are uncommon for adults with colds, but children may experience them. Cold symptoms last around one week. Children often appear to have worse cold symptoms than adults.

Cold Symptoms

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

• Congestion

• Watery eyes

• Possible mild fever (mostly in children)

• Minor aches and pains

• Slight fatigue and weakness

• Sneezing

• Itchy or sore throat

• Mild to moderate coughing

Do I have the flu?

In general, the flu has more severe symptoms than a cold. It is associated with a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, muscle soreness, congestion and a cough. Some variants of the flu are associated with vomiting and diarrhea, but this is most common in children. Flu symptoms can improve starting from two to five days, but the body can feel run down for over a week. It’s important to remember that not everyone with the flu has a fever.

Flu Symptoms

• Fever (100-102 F or higher) that lasts for three to four days

• Headache

• Moderate to severe aches and pains

• Two to three weeks of fatigue and weakness

• Extreme exhaustion

• Occasional stuffy nose

• Occasional sneezing

• Occasional sore throat

• Moderate to severe chest discomfort and coughing

• Diarrhea, vomiting and\or nausea (most common in children)

You Should See a Doctor.

..

• If a cold lasts longer than one week with congestion and headaches. This could be a sign of a sinus infection or allergies.

• If you experience shortness of breath and a fever that returns after two or three days of not having a fever. These are all signs of pneumonia. 

• If you have a fever for more than three days. This is a sign of an infection. Adults should see a doctor if they have a fever higher than 103 F or a fever with sweating, chills and a cough. Children should go to the doctor if they have a fever that often goes above 104 F or lasts for more than three days. Newborns up to 12 weeks should see a doctor if they have a fever over 100.4 F. In children younger than 2, a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours should be investigated by a physician.

• If you experience severe discomfort when you swallow, you might have strep throat. Swollen glands are also an indication that additional medical attention is needed.

• If a cough doesn’t go away for two or three weeks, this may be bronchitis, a sinus infection or asthma.

• If you experience severe sinus pain.

• If your child is vomiting, suffering from abdominal pain, has a stiff neck, is persistently crying, has ear pain or is persistently coughing.

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe chest pain

• Severe headache

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Continuous vomiting

Your child should see a doctor immediately if they experience:

• Trouble breathing, rapid breathing

• Blue-colored skin or lips

• Dehydration

• Not interacting normally

• Irritability or distress

• Worsening symptoms

• Fever and rash

Stop the Flu!

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months should get the flu vaccine. It’s especially important to get the vaccine if you live with someone who will have a high risk of complications if they get the flu (young children and the elderly). The flu vaccine is available at the start of the flu season and can be given at any time during the flu season, even into January and beyond.

The CDC and FDA closely monitor the flu vaccine. Even though reports have been released saying that the flu vaccine is not as effective this year, vaccines are still necessary and also still effective in preventing some types of the flu. The strains of the flu change every year and scientists must predict which strains will be most prevalent. This year, there was a mutation to one of the viruses that scientists did not expect.

Last year, one in nine people had the flu in the U.S. Even if you haven’t been vaccinated before, getting a flu shot will reduce your chances of getting the flu, plus lessen the severity of any virus you do catch, including the flu and colds.

If you or any members of your family show symptoms that require medical attention, trust the doctors at Sunnybrook Urgent Care to help you get back on your feet. Flu vaccinations are also still available. To get your flu shot or nasal spray, use our Find a Doctor tool and make an appointment today!

what does cough with fever in children and adults say and how to treat it

Published: 06 October

Updated: 16 May

Reading time: 4 minutes

Coughing has a protective function – it helps to clear the airways of accumulated mucus or foreign bodies accidentally introduced. In addition, the cough reflex in combination with temperature signal that an infection has entered the body.

Adult cough and fever

High body temperature helps the body fight viruses and bacteria – in such conditions it is more difficult for them to multiply and develop. One of the first symptoms that occur with infectious diseases are a slight cough and fever. At the same time, a more active inflammatory process is accompanied by a higher fever. Cough a week after the temperature may indicate both the completion of an infectious disease (in some cases it can persist up to 3-4 weeks), and the further progression of the infection and its course in a more severe form.

Causes of unpleasant symptoms:

• respiratory viral infections – in the first days there is a dry cough, which gradually turns into a wet one, the thermometer reaches 38-39°C;
• sinusitis – acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is accompanied by a flow of mucous secretion along the back of the throat, which causes reflex coughing, often to the point of nausea and vomiting, headache;
• diseases of the upper respiratory tract – pharyngitis and laryngitis accompanied by severe sore throat;
• bronchitis and tracheitis – inflammation of the walls of the bronchi and trachea due to the spread of viruses and bacteria;
• pneumonia – in case of inflammation in the lungs, along with fever, heaviness in the chest, pain in the ribs, wheezing and difficult to separate sputum appear.

Some serious diseases at an early stage occur with a low body temperature – 37.5-38 ° C, so they can be easily confused with acute respiratory infections. Two symptoms are not enough to make a correct diagnosis; it is important to assess their nature, duration, and the presence of other signs of the disease.

Cough and fever in a child

The combination of these two symptoms in babies is much more common than in adults. The child’s immune system is faced with many viruses for the first time, so it still does not know how to quickly neutralize them.

Causes of cough with fever in children.

• SARS.
  It starts with fever, in some cases the temperature can reach 40 ° C, headache, body aches and a runny nose appear. Common pathogens are coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza and parainfluenza viruses.
• Pharyngitis.
  A red throat, a temperature of about 37.5 ° C and coughing are characteristic of inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal wall.
• Laryngitis.
  Barking cough with fever in a child is a characteristic symptom of the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal cords.
• Bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia.
  Inflammation in the lower respiratory tract in the first days proceeds like a classic SARS with fever, snot and coughing. After a while, a thick mucous or purulent secret begins to separate, chest pain appears during coughing attacks.
• Other infectious diseases.
  Whooping cough is accompanied by a long, debilitating dry cough that worsens at night. Diphtheria is accompanied by a barking, wheezing cough, which may develop into croup.

Only a doctor can accurately diagnose, it is not always possible to independently determine the cause of a child’s poor health. “Red flags”, the appearance of which requires urgent expert advice:

• clearly distinguishable wheezing and wheezing in the airways;
• yellow, green, rusty or blood-streaked sputum;
• fever persists for more than 4 days or does not improve after medication.

How to treat a cough with fever

The main tasks of drug therapy are to fight the cause of the disease and alleviate unpleasant symptoms. So, with a confirmed bacterial infection, antibiotics cannot be dispensed with. In the case of bronchospasm, inhalations are prescribed with drugs that expand the bronchi.

The modern drug Rengalin fights both dry and wet coughs. The drug is approved for use in adults and children over 3 years of age. The drug helps relieve coughing attacks. Its action is three-component: it suppresses the activity of the cough center, expands the lumen of the bronchi and facilitates the removal of sputum. Rengalin can be taken with other medicines. Before you start taking it, you should consult a doctor to exclude contraindications.

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Emergencies

Cough

Cough is probably the most common problem parents face. Very often, a cough, even if it sounds scary, has a harmless cause and goes away on its own. Sometimes coughing is a serious symptom. Let’s try to figure out how to behave when a child coughs and when to start sounding the alarm.

What is a cough?

Cough is a protective reflex designed to clear the airways. During a cough push, the air abruptly leaves the lungs and forces everything that interferes with breathing – sputum and foreign bodies – to come out. If you think about the mechanism of coughing, it becomes clear that it is far from always necessary to “suppress” it.

What causes and what does a cough look like?

The most common cause of cough is a viral infection. Viruses can cause damage to the respiratory tract at different levels – from the nose (with a common cold) to the bronchi, bronchioles and lungs, and coughing is a common symptom in all these diseases. For example, sore throat and nasal discharge flowing down the back of the throat irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and stimulate the cough reflex. Due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, a dry, hacking cough occurs, which will definitely pass without treatment, but in the acute period it can be quite frequent and painful, and even disrupt night’s sleep. A runny nose and discharge along the back of the throat provoke a wet cough, while the child begins to cough when changing position of the body, especially in the morning and at night when he gets up, lies down or rolls over. If the virus infects the mucous membrane of the larynx, a false croup develops, that is, swelling and, as a result, narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which is accompanied by a “barking” cough, hoarseness, and a characteristic noisy breath (the so-called stridor). With inflammation of the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli – bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, respectively – sputum accumulates in the lumen of the respiratory tract, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, resulting in cough and shortness of breath. Unlike viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, pneumonia is more commonly caused by bacteria and is accompanied by fever in addition to coughing and shortness of breath. In bronchial asthma, bronchospasm and accumulation of thick sputum in them occur after contact with an allergen, which also provokes a cough.

When should an ambulance be called for a child with a cough?

• if the child has the following signs along with coughing: it is very difficult for the child to breathe: you see that the child is breathing with difficulty, it is difficult for him to speak (or scream, if we are talking about a baby) due to difficulty in breathing, the child has “groaning” or “groaning” breathing;
• the child has lost consciousness and/or has stopped breathing;
• the child’s lips turned blue.

If the child does not have the most severe symptoms, but the child is concerned, see a doctor. An important sign of trouble is the appearance of the child – if he is lethargic, looks sick and if you cannot attract his attention and catch his eye. Shortness of breath, that is, rapid breathing, accompanied by an effort of the respiratory muscles and retraction of the intercostal spaces and the jugular fossa (depression above the sternum), is a sign that indicates damage to the lower respiratory tract. If you notice shortness of breath in a child, be sure to consult a doctor. Increased body temperature, especially fever above 39- 40 ° C, also requires that the child be examined by a doctor, as cough and fever can be symptoms of pneumonia.

Special attention should be given to children in the first months of life, because in young children serious illnesses can be erased, and the condition may worsen suddenly. If you have a fever (that is, if the child’s rectal temperature is > 38 ° C) in children under three months old, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Should yellow or greenish sputum cause concern?

Yellow or green sputum does not always indicate a bacterial infection. With viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, the yellow-green color of sputum is associated with the fact that cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which the virus has damaged, enter the sputum. As a new mucous membrane is formed, the desquamated cells come out with sputum, so there is no need to be scared if the child coughs up yellow or even greenish sputum, since in most cases this is a normal manifestation of a viral infection that does not require antibiotics.

What should I do if my child coughs at night?

Most often, nocturnal cough is associated with the fact that when the child lies in bed, discharge from the nose and paranasal sinuses drain into the throat and cause a cough reflex. When a child rolls over in bed or gets up from a horizontal to an upright position, a coughing fit occurs. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe a topical treatment for the child to reduce the runny nose and, as a result, reduce the cough.

Night cough also occurs with pathology of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, if your child is concerned about a nighttime cough, consult a doctor.

What if the child coughs to vomit?

If your child has a paroxysmal cough before vomiting, contact your pediatrician as this may be a symptom of whooping cough. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for children in the first months of life. Sometimes whooping cough develops even in children who were vaccinated against it, but a lot of time has passed since the last revaccination.

Some children have a very easy gag reflex and may vomit when they cough, even if the cough is simply due to a runny nose. If vomiting occurs against the background of coughing, feed the child more often, but in small portions.

Prolonged cough

It is not uncommon for a prolonged cough to be caused by several successive viral infections. The child does not have time to recover from one infection and picks up another. In this case, the cough can last for several weeks and greatly frighten parents, although its cause is trivial.

However, a prolonged cough may be associated with allergies, including bronchial asthma, as well as whooping cough and other diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs (a chronic cough may even be due to earwax plugs in the ears!), so in case persistent cough, consult your doctor.

How to treat a cough?

Cough can have many causes, and each case is treated differently. Show the child to the doctor to understand what the cough is connected with and how to help the child.

If the cough is accompanied by sputum production (wet, productive cough), sputum production should be stimulated to facilitate expectoration. Give your child more fluids (for example, apple juice or warm chicken broth can be given if age-appropriate and not allergic to these foods). If the air in the children’s bedroom is dry, install a humidifier.

Unproductive (dry) cough can be controlled by reducing irritation of the upper respiratory tract. To soften the cough and soothe the airways, give the child a drink of water or apple juice, this also helps with a coughing fit. Avoid giving carbonated drinks or citrus drinks as they can irritate inflamed mucous membranes. If the child is intolerant of honey, try giving it. Children over 6 years old can suck on cough drops. If a cough interferes with sleep, going to kindergarten and school, consult a doctor, he will prescribe an antitussive.

Steam in the bathroom can help with a fit of coughing. Go into the bathroom, close the door, turn on the hot shower and wait a few minutes. After the bath is filled with steam, go there with the child, sit for about 20 minutes. Try reading a book or playing with the child so that he is distracted.

Smoking is strictly prohibited at home! This contributes to frequent respiratory infections in the child and aggravates their course.

Medicines such as antibiotics and inhalations with bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic drugs are prescribed only by a doctor and are not required in every case.

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Fever

Fever is an increase in body temperature over 38 ºС. Some symptoms and laboratory and instrumental studies help to understand the cause of the fever and prescribe the necessary treatment.

If fever is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, and “red throat”, a viral infection is the most likely cause. Since antibiotics have no effect on viruses, antibiotic therapy in case of a viral infection is not prescribed.

High fever (greater than 39°C) with chills should alert. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention are the refusal of the child to eat and drink, severe lethargy, lack of “eye” contact with the child.

Parents should know how to help a child with a fever .

In childhood, only ibuprofen (10 mg/kg per dose) and paracetamol (15 mg/kg per dose) are allowed. From drugs based on ibuprofen in a pharmacy, you can buy nurofen, and from drugs based on paracetamol – panadol, cefecon, efferalgan. Metamizole sodium (or analgin), including as part of a “lytic mixture”, can cause severe blood complications, and nimesulide (nimulide, nise) can cause life-threatening liver damage. If the child does not have a severe background pathology, such as heart disease or epilepsy, and if he satisfactorily tolerates fever (is interested in others, does not refuse to drink, does not complain of pain), antipyretic drugs are given at a temperature of 38.5 – 39ºС and above.

And there is no need to achieve a decrease in body temperature immediately to 36. 6 ºС! A good effect is considered to be a decrease in fever to 38 ºС. Safe and effective methods of physical cooling are rubbing with water at room temperature (not alcohol or vinegar!), which allows you to reduce body temperature by 0.5 – 1.0 ºС in a few minutes. However, if the child has chills, if he has cold hands and feet, rubbing will not be effective. In such cases, massage of the hands and feet helps, which reduces vasospasm and improves peripheral circulation, and antispasmodic drugs, such as no-shpa, are also used.

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False croup

In babies, false croup occurs quite often, so mothers need to know about it. Only parents can notice the first signs of narrowing of the larynx in time and help the child in time. The reason is viral infections. In children under 5 – 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often.

If a baby with a cold has a “barking” cough and a hoarse voice, it is necessary that he breathe steam over hot water in the bathroom. If this does not help, and the breath becomes noisy and difficult, call an ambulance without stopping the inhalation of steam.

What is false croup?

Croup is difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the larynx. To feel where the larynx is, you can put your hand on the front of the neck and make any sound – the larynx will vibrate.

This part of the airway is quite narrow, and if the mucous membrane swells, it can completely block the lumen of the larynx, and air will not enter the lungs. In children under 5 – 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often.

Unlike false, true croup begins with diphtheria, when the lumen of the larynx is blocked by dense films. Thanks to vaccinations (DPT, ADS-M), this disease, fortunately, has become rare.

Pseudocroup is caused by acute viral infections (eg parainfluenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus). The mucous membrane becomes inflamed, swells, and although films do not form, as in diphtheria, the result is the same – it is difficult for the child to breathe.

How does it all start?

Usually, the usual symptoms of acute respiratory infections appear first, i.e. runny nose, cough, fever. The first signs of the proximity of a false croup appear or intensify in the evening – this is a growing dry “barking” cough and a hoarse voice.

Then the breath becomes “noisy” – at first only during crying or anxiety, that is, when the baby breathes deeper and faster. After a while, these symptoms persist even in a calm state.

With croup, it is difficult for the baby to inhale exactly, that is, the inhalation turns out to be noisy, with effort, but the exhalation remains normal. During inhalation, you can notice how the jugular fossa (depression in the lower part of the neck between the collarbones) is drawn inward.

Can false croup be prevented?

There are pathogens that most often cause croup: parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. If a child has contracted this particular infection, the risk of developing croup is high, and, unfortunately, there are no remedies that protect against it.

There are children who tolerate colds without this complication, but in some the mucous membrane is more prone to edema, and if there has already been one episode of difficulty in breathing with ARI, such conditions are likely to recur. Parents need to be ready for them – until the child grows up, and the croup ceases to threaten him.

What to do with false croup?

If you notice its signs, first of all, you need to calm yourself and the child, because when you are excited, the muscles of the larynx contract and it becomes even harder to breathe.

For a “barking” cough, as long as breathing is silent and not labored, steam inhalation may help. Turn on hot water in the bathroom, let the child breathe in moist air for a few minutes.

If this does not help and breathing becomes difficult (noisy breath, jugular fossa retraction), call an ambulance and continue to do steam inhalation until it arrives. The doctor will prescribe special inhalations with a local hormonal preparation for croup. Don’t let the word “hormonal” scare you, because this drug works only in the respiratory tract, eliminating inflammation, and no other medicine for false croup will not be so effective. In severe cases, the doctor will inject a hormone (prednisolone or dexamethasone) intramuscularly. Don’t worry about side effects because short cycles of hormones are safe and life-saving in these situations.

If you are offered to hospitalize your child, do not refuse, because after temporary relief, breathing problems may recur.

There are conditions that can be confused with false croup, such as inflammation of the epiglottis (cartilage that closes the larynx when swallowing). This disease is called epiglottitis: the child’s temperature rises above 39 degrees, there is a severe sore throat, the mouth is difficult to open, and hormonal preparations do not help the child.

If the epiglottis is inflamed, the child is admitted to the hospital and treated with antibiotics. But this disease is rare, and false croup is caused by viruses, so it makes no sense to take antibiotics.

Is it possible to stop an attack of croup on your own?

If it is not the first time that a child has false croup, you can take home a special device for inhalation – a nebulizer (choose a compressor model, since ultrasound can destroy drugs used for croup). Your doctor will tell you what medication to have at home and how much to use if needed.

The child can return to kindergarten as soon as the body temperature returns to normal and the child feels well.

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Vomiting and diarrhea

Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by an increase in body temperature (from subfebrile condition to high fever), vomiting, stool thinning. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The most severe is the first episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children from 6 months to 2-3 years. The peak incidence of this infection occurs in the winter – spring.

The danger of viral gastroenteritis is associated with rapid dehydration and electrolyte disturbances due to loss of water and salts in loose stools and vomiting. Therefore, feeding the child is of fundamental importance. In order not to provoke vomiting, you need to drink fractionally (1 – 2 teaspoons), but often, if necessary, every few minutes. For convenience, you can use a syringe without a needle or a pipette. In no case should you drink the child with just water, this only exacerbates electrolyte disturbances! There are special saline solutions for drinking – rehydron (optimally ½ sachet per 1 liter of water), Humana electrolyte, etc.

Daily fluid requirement is shown in the table:

Child weight Daily fluid requirement
2-10 kg 100 ml/kg
10 – 20 kg 1000 ml + 50 ml/kg for each kg over 10 kg
> 20 kg 1500 ml + 20 ml/kg for each kg over 20 kg

In addition, current fluid losses with loose stools and vomiting are taken into account – for each episode of diarrhea / vomiting, an additional 100 – 200 ml of fluid is given.

Intravenous rehydration (fluid replenishment with drips) is reserved for severe dehydration and persistent vomiting. In all other cases, you need to drink the child – it is safe, effective and painless.

Smecta (but do not give smecta if it induces vomiting), espumizan or Sab simplex are used as adjuvants. Enterofuril is not recommended for use, as it is not effective either in viral infections or in invasive bacterial intestinal infections. In the diet during the acute period, fresh vegetables and fruits (except bananas), sweet drinks are excluded, and whole milk is limited only in older children.

For parents, you need to know the first signs of dehydration – a decrease in the frequency and volume of urination, thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes. With increasing dehydration, the child becomes lethargic, stops urinating, thirst disappears, the skin loses turgor, and the eyes “sink”. In this case, there is no time to waste, it is necessary to call a doctor and hospitalize the child.

The appearance of blood and mucus in the stool in a child should be alerted, because this is typical for bacterial enterocolitis. Stool with such infections is not large (in contrast to copious watery stools with rotavirus infection), false urge to defecate and abdominal pain may be noted. Drinking water in such cases may not be enough, and, as a rule, antibiotics are required.

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Pneumonia

One of the serious diseases in children is pneumonia, or pneumonia. Pneumonia can pose a threat to a child’s life. Fortunately, modern medicine has learned to cope well with pneumonia, and this disease can be completely cured in most cases. Therefore, if your baby gets sick with fever and cough, contact your pediatrician. If pneumonia is suspected, a doctor may order an x-ray of the lungs to confirm the diagnosis.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, that is, the deepest part of the respiratory system. Normally, gas exchange occurs in the lungs, that is, oxygen from the air enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is released from the blood into the environment. When part of the lung is inflamed, the breathing function in the affected lung is affected and the child develops shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Substances produced during the immune system’s fight against bacteria cause fever (if the body temperature rises above 38 ° C, this is called a fever). The accumulation of sputum in the alveoli and bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane stimulate the cough reflex, and a cough occurs. If the focus of pneumonia is near the lining of the lung, called the pleura, chest pains may occur when breathing and coughing.

What causes pneumonia?

There are many infections that can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of so-called “typical” pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia is accompanied by fever, cough, shortness of breath, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by other pathogens – hemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae) type b, pyogenic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). “Atypical” pneumonia, which is usually milder and quite contagious, is caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by viruses (adenovirus, RS virus) – such pneumonias are rare and can be very difficult. Pneumonia can develop suddenly or be a complication of the flu.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The most important symptom of pneumonia is fever. In a young child, fever may be the only manifestation. Fever above 39.5°C with chills and fever that is poorly reduced after taking antipyretic drugs should be especially alert. Although not always a high fever that does not respond well to antipyretics is a symptom of pneumonia. This may be a manifestation of a respiratory viral infection.

The second important symptom of pneumonia is a cough. The nature of the cough matters. Particularly alarming are the “deep” cough, cough at night and cough before vomiting.

Severe pneumonia is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Sometimes a symptom of pneumonia is pain in the abdomen, which occurs due to irritation of the pleura (lung membrane) during inflammation of the lung area adjacent to the pleura and due to frequent coughing and, accordingly, tension in the abdominal muscles.

Very important signs that speak in favor of pneumonia are symptoms of intoxication, such as fatigue, weakness, refusal to eat and even drink. At the same time, unlike pneumococcal pneumonia, with mycoplasmal pneumonia, the child may feel well.
Coughing and wheezing in the lungs are symptoms not only of pneumonia, but also of bronchitis. It is very important that the doctor distinguishes pneumonia from bronchitis, since antibiotics are not always required for bronchitis and only if its mycoplasmal etiology is suspected.

What can happen if pneumonia is not treated?

This is fraught with complications that are more likely to occur if pneumonia is left untreated. Complications of pneumonia are inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy) and the formation of a cavity in the lung filled with pus (lung abscess). In such cases, a longer course of antibiotics will be required, and sometimes the help of a surgeon.

How to treat pneumonia?

If you have bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. The doctor will decide which antibiotic to choose depending on the suspected cause of the pneumonia. In most cases, the child can be given the antibiotic by mouth (as a suspension or tablets) rather than by injection. The effect of the antibiotic occurs within 24-48 hours. If after 1 – 2 days the child does not feel better and the temperature rises, consult a doctor again.

Usually a child with pneumonia can be treated at home. Hospitalization is required for severe and complicated pneumonia, when the child needs intravenous antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, pleural punctures, and other serious medical interventions.
Give the child an antipyretic (ibuprofen or paracetamol) if the body temperature rises above 38.5-39°C. Antitussives, such as butamirate (Sinekod drug), are contraindicated in pneumonia.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

There are vaccines designed to protect against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, which cause the most severe forms of pneumonia (against pneumococcus – vaccines “Prevenar”, “Pneumo 23”, against Haemophilus influenzae – “Act-HIB”, “Hiberix”, a component against Haemophilus influenzae sticks are part of the Pentaxim vaccine, components against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae are simultaneously part of Synflorix). Since pneumococcal pneumonia often develops as a complication of influenza, influenza vaccination is helpful.