What are the key differences between a cold, flu, and allergies. How can parents distinguish between these conditions in their children. When should parents seek medical attention for their child’s symptoms. What are the best ways to care for a child with a cold at home.

Recognizing Cold Symptoms in Children

When a child develops a runny nose and fever, it’s natural for parents to wonder about the underlying cause. Understanding the typical symptoms of a common cold can help distinguish it from other conditions. Here are the primary signs to look out for:

• Sore throat (often the first symptom)
• Runny nose (clear and watery initially)
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Cough (typically mild)

Is fever common with a cold? Generally, a cold doesn’t cause a significant fever. If your child’s temperature rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it might indicate a flu or bacterial infection rather than a simple cold.

The Progression of Cold Symptoms

How do cold symptoms evolve over time? In the first few days, the runny nose is usually watery. As the cold progresses, nasal discharge may become thicker and darker. A mild cough might develop and persist for up to two weeks after the onset of the cold.

When do cold symptoms typically appear and how long do they last? Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and generally last for 3 to 7 days. However, some symptoms, like nasal congestion, may linger for a week or more.

Differentiating Between Cold, Flu, and Allergies

Given the overlap in symptoms, it can be challenging to determine whether a child is suffering from a cold, the flu, or allergies. Here are some key differences to help parents make an informed assessment:

Cold vs. Allergies

How can you tell if it’s a cold or allergies? Unlike colds, allergy symptoms:

• Typically last longer than 1-2 weeks
• Don’t cause fever
• Often include itchy eyes and nose
• May be seasonal or triggered by specific allergens

Are allergies contagious like colds? No, allergies are not contagious. They result from an overactive immune response to environmental triggers like pollen or dust.

Cold vs. Flu

How does the flu differ from a cold? While both are viral infections, the flu typically:

• Causes higher fevers (often above 101°F)
• Leads to more severe body aches and fatigue
• Onset of symptoms is usually more sudden and intense
• May cause headaches more frequently than colds

Can a cold turn into the flu? No, colds and flu are caused by different viruses. However, having a cold can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to other infections, including the flu.

Caring for a Child with a Cold at Home

While colds generally resolve on their own, there are several ways parents can help alleviate their child’s symptoms and promote comfort:

Managing a Runny Nose

How should parents handle a child’s runny nose? For older children, encourage them to gently blow their nose. For infants and younger children, use a soft rubber suction bulb to remove excess mucus. Avoid excessive nose blowing, as it may push the infection into the ears or sinuses.

Relieving Nasal Congestion

What’s an effective way to clear a stuffy nose? Try using saline nose drops:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water
2. Put 3 drops in each nostril (1 drop for children under 1 year)
3. Wait 1 minute
4. Have the child blow their nose or use a suction bulb

For sticky mucus, a wet cotton swab can be gently used to remove it.

Addressing Fever and Discomfort

How can parents manage fever and aches associated with a cold? Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given to relieve fever and discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions based on the child’s age and weight.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most colds resolve without complications, certain symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor. Parents should be vigilant for the following:

• Fever above 102°F
• Fever lasting more than a day in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in older children
• Earache or pain around the nose and eyes lasting more than a week
• Cough producing mucus for more than a week
• Shortness of breath or worsening symptoms
• Symptoms persisting for more than 2 weeks
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe sore throat accompanied by fever (possible strep infection)
• Chest pain or pressure
• Stiff neck or sensitivity to light

Should parents seek immediate medical attention for infants with fever? Yes, if a baby under 3 months old has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, it’s crucial to contact a doctor right away.

Preventing the Spread of Colds

Given that colds are highly contagious, it’s important to take steps to prevent their spread within the family and community.

Understanding Contagiousness

When is a cold most contagious? A person with a cold is typically most contagious during the first 3 days of illness. However, they may remain contagious for up to a week after symptoms begin.

Hygiene Practices

What are effective ways to prevent the spread of colds?

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap isn’t available
• Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

Should children with colds stay home from school? It’s generally advisable to keep children home during the first few days when they’re most contagious, especially if they have a fever.

Cold Complications and Risk Factors

While colds are usually harmless, they can sometimes lead to complications, particularly in certain risk groups.

Potential Complications

What complications can arise from a common cold?

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia (rarely)

Are certain groups more susceptible to cold complications? Yes, individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly are at higher risk for developing complications from colds.

Asthma and Colds

How do colds affect children with asthma? Colds can trigger asthma attacks in children with this condition. Parents of asthmatic children should consult their doctor about potentially adjusting their child’s asthma management plan during a cold.

Myths and Misconceptions About Colds

There are many common beliefs about colds that aren’t supported by scientific evidence. Let’s address some of these misconceptions:

Cold Weather and Getting Sick

Does cold weather cause colds? Contrary to popular belief, exposure to cold temperatures doesn’t directly cause colds. Colds are caused by viruses, not by temperature. However, cold weather may indirectly contribute to their spread by driving people indoors where viruses can more easily pass from person to person.

Antibiotics and Colds

Are antibiotics effective against colds? No, antibiotics are not effective against colds because they are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics should only be used if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Vitamin C and Cold Prevention

Can vitamin C prevent colds? While vitamin C is important for overall health, there’s limited evidence that it can prevent colds. Some studies suggest it may slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms in some people, but it’s not a guaranteed preventive measure.

By understanding the nature of colds, their symptoms, and appropriate care strategies, parents can effectively manage their children’s health during cold season. Remember, most colds resolve on their own with proper rest and care, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Sore Throat, Cough, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• The Start of a Cold
• Is It Allergies Instead of a Cold?
• Is It the Flu?
• When to Call the Doctor About Cold Symptoms

Your nose is running, you’ve got a cough, and your throat is raw. Is it a cold, allergies, or the flu?

There are similarities to all three, but a few telltale signs can help you tell them apart.

It usually begins with a sore throat, and before you know it, you’ve also got these symptoms:

• Runny nose (clear and watery)
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Cough

You usually don’t get a fever with a cold. If you do, it may be a sign you’ve got the flu or an infection with a bacteria.

For the first few days that you’re sick, your runny nose will be watery, but it turns thicker and darker after that. You may also get a mild cough that can last into the second week of your cold.

Since a cold can trigger an asthma attack, people with asthma should check with your doctor to see if you need to change your regular treatment plan.

If you cough up thick or dark mucus or you get a fever, you may have an infection with a bacteria. See your doctor to find out how to treat it. Also see them if your cough doesn’t get better after a few weeks.

Your symptoms usually start between 1 and 3 days after you get infected with a cold virus. They typically last for about 3 to 7 days. By then the worst is over, but you may feel stuffed up for a week or more.

You’re most contagious during the first 3 days that you’re sick, but it’s still possible to spread it during the first week.

Sometimes you might mistake cold symptoms for hay fever. If they begin quickly and are over in 1 to 2 weeks, chances are it’s not an allergy.

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system, your defense against germs. Your body overreacts to things like dust or pollen. It then releases chemicals like histamine. This causes the passageways in your nose to swell, leading to a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing.

Hay fever isn’t contagious, but some people may inherit a tendency to get it.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s “Common Cold or Allergies?”

Take your temperature. A mild case of the flu often has symptoms like a cold, but a cold rarely raises your temperature above 101 degrees F.

Besides a fever, the flu often gives you muscle aches and a headache.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s “Flu or Cold Symptoms?”

Except in newborns, colds aren’t dangerous. The symptoms usually go away without any special treatment. But when you’re sick it can wear down your body’s resistance, making you more open to an infection by a bacteria.

See your doctor if your cold symptoms are severe and you aren’t getting better. They’ll likely check your throat and ears, and listen to your lungs. They may take a throat culture by brushing your throat with a long cotton-tipped swab. This will show whether you have an infection that needs treatment with antibiotics.

Call your doctor if you have:

• An earache
• Pain around the nose and eyes (sinuses) for more than a week
• Fever above 102 degrees F. If your child is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher, call your doctor right away.
• Fever that lasts more than a day in a child under 2, or more than 3 days in a child age 2 or older
• Cough up mucus for more than a week
• Shortness of breath
• Worsening symptoms
• Symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks
• Trouble swallowing.
• A bad sore throat with fever (may indicate strep infection)
• Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
• A stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights

Also see your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding and get a cold
• Your newborn or infant gets symptoms
• Your cold worsens after the third day

Top Picks

Colds – The Pediatric Clinic

What is a cold?

When your child has a cold, he often has a runny or stuffy nose. He may also have a fever, sore throat, cough, or hoarseness.

Viruses cause most colds. You can expect a healthy child to get about 6 colds a year.

How can I take care of my child?

• Runny nose. If your child has a lot of clear discharge from the nose, it may not be a good idea to blow his nose. Sniffing and swallowing the mucus is probably better than blowing. Blowing the nose can make the infection go into the ears or sinuses. For babies, use a soft rubber suction bulb to take out the mucus.
• Stuffy nose. Most stuffy noses are blocked by dry mucus. Try nosedrops of warm tap water or saline. They are better than any medicine you can buy.

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water.
2. Put 3 drops in each nostril. (For children less than 1 year old, use 1 drop.)
3. Wait 1 minute.
4. Then have the child blow or you can use suction bulb. Use a wet cotton swab to remove mucus that’s very sticky.

• Aches and fever. Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102°F (39°C). Do not give aspirin.
• Cough or sore throat. Use cough drops for children over 6 years old. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey for children over 1 year old. If you do not have honey, you can use corn syrup.

How long does it last?

Usually the fever lasts less than 3 days, and all nose and throat symptoms are gone in a week. A cough may last 2 to 3 weeks. Watch for signs of bacterial infections such as an earache, sinus pain, yellow discharge from the ear canal, yellow drainage from the eyes, or fast breathing.

Call your child’s doctor right away if:

• Your child has a hard time breathing or fast breathing.
• Your child starts acting very sick.

Call your child’s doctor during office hours if:

• The fever lasts more than 3 days.
• The nose symptoms last more than 14 days.
• The eyes get yellow discharge.
• You think your child may have an earache or sinus pain.
• You have other questions or concerns.

Colds – Teen Version

What is a cold?

A cold or upper respiratory infection is an infection of the nose and throat caused by a virus.

Symptoms of a cold include:

• runny or stuffy nose
• usually a fever and sore throat
• sometimes a cough, hoarseness, red watery eyes, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

What is the cause?

The cold viruses are spread from one person to another by hand contact, coughing, and sneezing. Colds are not caused by cold air or drafts. Many different viruses cause colds. Most healthy teenagers get at least 3 colds a year.

Many teens have a runny nose in the wintertime when they breathe cold air. This is called vasomotor rhinitis. The nose usually stops running within 15 minutes after you come indoors. It does not need treatment and has nothing to do with cold or an infection.

Chemical rhinitis is a dry stuffy nose that results from using decongestant nosedrops or spray too often and too long (longer than 1 week). It will be better a day or two after you stop using the nosedrops or spray.

How long will it last?

Usually the fever lasts 2 or 3 days. The sore throat may last 5 days. Nasal discharge and congestion may last up to 2 weeks. A cough may last 3 weeks.

Colds are not serious. Between 5% and 10% of colds develop into some kind of bacterial infection. Watch for signs of bacterial infections such as earaches, yellow discharge from the ear canal, yellow drainage from the eyes, sinus pressure or pain (often means a sinus infection), or rapid breathing (often a sign of pneumonia). Yellow or green nasal secretions are a normal part of the body’s reaction to a cold. As an isolated symptom, they do not mean you have a sinus infection. You might have a sinus infection if you have pressure, pain or swelling over a sinus and it doesn’t improve with nasal washes.

How can I take care of myself?

Not much can be done to affect how long a cold lasts. However, we can relieve many of the symptoms. Keep in mind that the treatment for a runny nose is quite different from the treatment for a stuffy nose.

• Treatment for a runny nose with a lot of liquid discharge

Sniffing and swallowing the secretions is probably better than blowing because blowing the nose can force the infection into the ears or sinuses. Nasal discharge is the nose’s way of getting rid of viruses. Antihistamines are not helpful unless you have a nasal allergy.

• Treatment for a dry or stuffy nose with only a little discharge or dried, yellow-green mucus

Most stuffy noses are blocked by dry mucus. Blowing the nose cannot remove most dry secretions.

Nosedrops of warm tap water or saline are better than any medicine you can buy for loosening up mucus. Use a clean dropper to put drops into the nose. Water can be splashed in or dripped in using a wet cotton ball. Wait 1 minute for the water to loosen the mucus, then blow your nose. You can repeat this several times to clear your nasal passages.

The main mistakes teens make when they use warm-water nosedrops are using only 1 drop of water or saline, not waiting long enough for secretions to loosen up before blowing their nose, and not repeating the procedure until their breathing is easy. The front of the nose can look open while the back of the nose is all gummed up with dried mucus.

Use the nasal washes at least 4 times a day or whenever you can’t breathe through your nose.

• Treatment for other symptoms of colds
  • Fever: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches or fever over 102°F, or 39°C.
  • Sore throat: Use hard candies and warm chicken broth.
  • Cough: Use cough drops and a humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Red eyes: Rinse frequently with wet cotton balls.

• Prevention of colds

A cold is caused by direct contact with someone who already has a cold. Over the years we are all exposed to many colds and develop some immunity to them. Wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact with someone who has a cold.

A humidifier prevents dry mucous membranes, which may be more susceptible to infections.

Vitamin C, unfortunately, has not been shown to prevent or shorten colds. Large doses of vitamin C (for example, 2 grams) cause diarrhea.

• Common mistakes in treating colds

Most nonprescription cold medicines are worthless. Especially avoid drugs that have several ingredients because there is a greater chance of side effects from these drugs. Antihistamines do not help cold symptoms. Nothing can make a cold last a shorter time. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a cold only if you also have a fever, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches. Don’t use aspirin.

Do not take leftover antibiotics for uncomplicated colds because they have no effect on viruses and may be harmful.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

• Breathing becomes difficult or rapid.

Call during office hours if:

• The fever lasts more than 3 days.
• The nose symptoms last more than 14 days.
• Your eyes develop a yellow discharge.
• You have an earache or sinus pain.
• Your sore throat lasts more than 5 days.
• You have other questions or concerns.

How to distinguish an allergic rhinitis from a cold – an article on the site Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

A runny nose is the result of inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The process of inflammation is initiated by an allergy or the ingress of pathogens on the mucous membrane.

The combination of symptoms can only be a manifestation of severe acute respiratory infections, which requires a different approach to treatment and prevention. In order to be able to take the necessary measures for treatment, it is important to understand how the allergic rhinitis differs from the common cold.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Sensitive reactions to stimuli may occur intermittently, as they are often associated with flowering seasons.

How to distinguish allergic rhinitis from a cold? To answer, take into account a number of symptoms for allergies:

• Locality: allergic symptoms are clearly manifested either at a certain period of time, or in a particular place (for example, where there are many flowering plants).

• Allergic rhinitis is not accompanied by fever and fever.

• In addition to a runny nose, allergies cause itching in the eyes, burning, and constant sneezing.

Causes

Seasonal rhinitis is caused by flowering plants. But in more rare cases, allergies do not depend on the time of year.

Year-round inflammation of the nasal mucosa is caused by the ingestion of a number of particles:

• Perfumery.

• Food products.

• Tobacco smoke.

• Animal fur.

• Medicines.

Allergy is a reaction of the immune system. It can be caused by completely different substances called allergens, which are not normally considered pathogenic.

Acute rhinitis symptoms

Catarrhal rhinitis is a reaction to a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes. Viral infection is spread by airborne droplets, and the likelihood of the disease increases in conditions of weakened immunity.

The answer to the question of how to distinguish an allergic rhinitis from a cold can be found by examining the symptoms of catarrhal rhinitis:

• Increased body temperature, weakness, drowsiness, headache.

• Swelling of the mucous tissues of the nose.

• The snot acquires a thick consistency and a yellow-green hue.

Risk factors

In the normal course of the disease, the symptoms of infectious rhinitis disappear in 1-2 weeks. If the disease continues to progress, then without medical treatment, inflammation leads to complications.

The risk of developing the disease increases under the following conditions:

• Stress.

• Air pollution.

• Bad heredity.

• Wrong nutrition.

• Influence of chemical irritants.

Improper treatment can lead to a complication of the disease. In such cases, the runny nose lasts more than 6 weeks and becomes chronic.

Diagnosis of the type of inflammation

You can also recognize the difference between an allergic rhinitis and catarrhal rhinitis at home, after which you should contact the appropriate specialist (therapist or allergist). Diagnosis of rhinitis by a specialist is carried out to determine the cause of inflammation in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment. In the case of an allergy, the substance that causes it is identified.

Diagnostic procedure:

• Studying the medical history of the patient and his parents.

• External inspection.

• Conducting laboratory tests. Usually a blood test is taken. When diagnosing allergies, the reaction of the skin to direct contact with different groups of allergens is checked.

Distinguishing allergies from colds

Distinguishing features of allergic rhinitis:

• An allergic reaction usually does not cause a fever.

• Cleansing the mucous from pollen leads to frequent sneezing.

• Allergies cause irritation not only of the nose, but also of the eyes, ears and throat.

• Allergy symptoms are worse in dry, windy weather and lessened in rainy weather.

• The reaction often occurs seasonally or upon contact with the allergen.

Infectious rhinitis differences:

• Infectious inflammation goes away or weakens with the use of medications.

• As the illness progresses, the nasal discharge becomes thicker and more colourful.

• Sneezing with a cold is often less intense.

• Infections in humans are accompanied by general weakness and a decrease in appetite.

Paratyphoid A and B

Paratyphoid – various infectious intestinal diseases like typhoid fever.

Russian synonyms

Paratyphoid diseases.

Synonyms English

Paratyphoid A and B, paratyphoid infection, paratyphoid fever, Salmonella paratyphi infection.

Symptoms

Paratyphoid A and B are characterized by an acute onset. Symptoms resemble those of typhoid fever, but in general, paratyphoid A and B are milder. For the initial stages of paratyphoid A, nonspecific manifestations are more characteristic: cough, runny nose. The first signs of paratyphoid B are often intestinal symptoms.

The following symptoms are most characteristic of paratyphoid A and B:

• runny nose,
• cough,
• fever, temperature more often than 38-39 ⁰ C, sometimes up to 40 ⁰ C.
• roseola rash,
• diarrhea,
• loose stools, profuse, with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of marsh mire,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain.

General information about the study

The causative agents of paratyphoid fever are bacteria of the genus Salmonella – these are “rods” that have flagella and do not form spores. Salmonella are resistant to freezing, but die when heated to 75 ^° C for 10 minutes. The mechanism of transmission of paratyphoid A and B is fecal-oral, that is, infection occurs when water and food containing the pathogen are consumed through dirty hands and dishes. The source can only be an infected person, including an asymptomatic bacteriocarrier. A person is contagious from the first days of the disease and within 2-3 weeks after recovery.

The incubation period, that is, the period of time from the entry of infection into the body to the onset of the disease, with paratyphoid fever usually ranges from one to ten days. Salmonella enters the human body through the gastrointestinal tract. Once in the intestine, they enter the mucous membrane and then into the underlying tissues. After that, the bacteria multiply, enter the bloodstream and secrete endotoxin, with the action of which the first symptoms of the disease are associated: fever, malaise. Then salmonella can penetrate other tissues: the nervous system, liver, bile ducts, lymphoid organs, including mesenteric lymph nodes. The appearance of a characteristic rash is associated with this stage, as well as the main intestinal symptoms: abdominal pain, stool disorders. The duration of the disease is usually 5-7 days. The causative agent is excreted from the body mainly with bile.

Most often, paratyphoid A and B occur in a moderate form and end in complete recovery. The susceptibility to the disease and the severity of its course depend on the state of the patient’s immune system. Complications of paratyphoids can be intestinal bleeding, perforation of the intestinal wall, meningitis and meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, cholangitis and cholecystitis, rarely myocarditis.

Who is at risk?

• Children.
• Elderly people.
• Immunocompromised people.

Diagnosis

A characteristic clinical picture in combination with anamnesis suggests the presence of paratyphoid. However, the final diagnosis can only be made after a series of laboratory tests to determine the type of pathogen isolated from the patient’s body. Salmonella can be isolated from the patient’s blood in the first days of illness, then from urine and feces. In addition to the direct isolation of the pathogen, methods for determining antibodies to Salmonella are used.

Laboratory diagnostics

• Complete blood count (without leukocyte formula and ESR) with leukocyte formula. With paratyphoids in the blood, a small neutrophilic leukocytosis can be observed.
• Sowing feces for pathogenic flora (disease group and typhoid-paratyphoid group). The material is sown on a nutrient medium. The study allows not only to determine the causative agent of the disease, but also to establish its sensitivity to various groups of antibacterial drugs.
• Salmonella species, DNA [PCR]. Determination of the pathogen in the patient’s feces using the polymerase chain reaction method.
• anti-Salmonella, detection of antibodies to serovars A, B, C1, C2, D, E. This test allows you to detect antibodies to certain Salmonella serovars in the patient’s blood.