A runny nose, cough and sore throat are common to both illnesses.  Influenza, however, often begins with a sudden high fever, chills, headache and body aches.  Children with a cold are less likely to have a high fever and more likely to remain somewhat active.

Getting rest and plenty of fluids—such as fruit juice, water and popsicles—allow a normally healthy child’s immune system to eliminate an infection.  It’s more important for your child to drink than to eat—he’ll eat when he’s hungry.  Medications for pain or fever containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help provide relief.  Aspirin should not be given to children with influenza because it is associated with a rare but serious disease known as Reye Syndrome.  Do not give your child any non-prescription “cold medicines” without first checking with your pediatrician.

Children with a cold or flu should remain home from school until they are without a fever for at least 24 hours and feel well enough to pay attention in class.  Parents should call a doctor if a child with flu has a fever for more than one or two days or has difficulty breathing.

The flu and common cold are both contracted through contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions.  Sneezing and coughing can leave droplets containing the virus in the air and on surrounding objects.  These can be inhaled or transferred to a child’s eyes or nose by their own hands.  Careful hand washing among other children and parents is helpful in fighting spread of infection.
 
While colds and flu can sometimes cause illness requiring a doctor’s care, children usually recover at home just fine within a week or 10 days.