Children and toddlers are prone to getting colds and coughs all the time thanks to their developing immune systems. In some ways this is good for them, as their immune system will get stronger as a result enabling them to better fight off the germs and viruses that they come into contact with. But, how do you know when it is more serious than just a common cold? Flu is a virus that manifests itself in a much similar way to the common cold initially, but can make the patient feel very unwell and last for a number of weeks. If you think that your child or toddler may be suffering from a case of the flu, here are the symptoms which you should be looking out for.
Feverish
It’s not uncommon for children suffering from the common cold to have a bit of a high temperature, but if they’re suffering with the flu it will be a lot more noticeable. If your child is burning up and very feverish, complaining of feeling cold but sweating at the same time and alternating between high fever and chills, they’re likely suffering from the flu. Remember to keep them warm and ensure that they drink plenty of water and other fluids.
It’s not uncommon for children suffering from the common cold to have a bit of a high temperature, but if they’re suffering with the flu it will be a lot more noticeable. If your child is burning up and very feverish, complaining of feeling cold but sweating at the same time and alternating between high fever and chills, they’re likely suffering from the flu. Remember to keep them warm and ensure that they drink plenty of water and other fluids.
Upset Tummy
Having an upset tummy, vomiting and diarrhea isn’t a very common symptom of a basic cough or cold. If your child is suffering from the flu they’re likely to show these symptoms as well as the cold-like symptoms such as coughing, a blocked nose and a sore throat. If your child is finding it difficult to keep food down, complaining of stomach pain and experiencing diarrhea, they may be suffering from the flu. Ensuring that they get plenty of water is crucial as vomiting and diarrhea will cause them to lose fluids and become dehydrated.
Having an upset tummy, vomiting and diarrhea isn’t a very common symptom of a basic cough or cold. If your child is suffering from the flu they’re likely to show these symptoms as well as the cold-like symptoms such as coughing, a blocked nose and a sore throat. If your child is finding it difficult to keep food down, complaining of stomach pain and experiencing diarrhea, they may be suffering from the flu. Ensuring that they get plenty of water is crucial as vomiting and diarrhea will cause them to lose fluids and become dehydrated.
Fatigue
In the first few days of the common cold it’s normal for a patient to feel a little tired and want to sleep, but if your child is suffering with the flu you will notice that they are significantly more fatigued and lethargic. Usually when children are suffering from a cold they’ll be able to get on with their daily life with just a few sniffles and some coughing but the flu will likely make them feel too tired to play. Your child may also experience difficulty sleeping if they have the flu, meaning that they’ll be even more tired.
In the first few days of the common cold it’s normal for a patient to feel a little tired and want to sleep, but if your child is suffering with the flu you will notice that they are significantly more fatigued and lethargic. Usually when children are suffering from a cold they’ll be able to get on with their daily life with just a few sniffles and some coughing but the flu will likely make them feel too tired to play. Your child may also experience difficulty sleeping if they have the flu, meaning that they’ll be even more tired.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your child’s symptoms are persisting even with rest, fluids and the appropriate over-the-counter medication, you should contact your doctor. You should also seek medical advice if the fever persists or if your child begins to show signs of dehydration. Observe your child carefully and make sure that they are still responding normally, such as making eye contact and replying when you speak to them. If they don’t seem to be responding normally, contact a doctor or health professional. Your child may be able to get hyper immune globulin treatment from a clinic – see Nationwide Medical Surgical for more information.
Knowing the symptoms can help you ensure that your child gets the best treatment and care.
If your child’s symptoms are persisting even with rest, fluids and the appropriate over-the-counter medication, you should contact your doctor. You should also seek medical advice if the fever persists or if your child begins to show signs of dehydration. Observe your child carefully and make sure that they are still responding normally, such as making eye contact and replying when you speak to them. If they don’t seem to be responding normally, contact a doctor or health professional. Your child may be able to get hyper immune globulin treatment from a clinic – see Nationwide Medical Surgical for more information.
Knowing the symptoms can help you ensure that your child gets the best treatment and care.
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