The difference between the Common Cold and Flu

During the climate change, many children may have a clogged nose, a runny nose, and a fever. These mentioned symptoms are caused by viruses’ infection in the respiratory system. Let’s see the difference between the Common Cold and Flu.

The Common Cold is caused by respiratory viruses. The symptoms of the common cold are mild.

• Mild fever
• Cough / with phlegm
• Runny nose / Sneezing
• Clogged nose
• Exhaustion

Flu is caused by Influenza A or B virus. The symptoms are more severe than the common cold.

• High fever
• Cough / Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Exhaustion
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Chills
• Diarrhea

The ways of how to protect and take care of yourself

For those who have acquired the disease:

The patient should stay at home, wear a mask, wash their hands with hand sanitizer or alcohol gel, avoid eyes/ nose/ mouth touching, and avoid crowed areas for at least 24 hours after getting better because the virus might be spread to others.

For those who are well:

The people who don’t have any sickness should keep distance from patients at least 3 ft. far, wear a mask, and frequently wash their hands with the hand sanitizer or alcohol gel.

Receiving Influenza vaccine can also prevent the flu

• Children aged over 6 months old can receive the Influenza vaccine
• Children aged under 8 years old should receive 2 Influenza vaccine injections in the first year and another 1 Influenza injection in the following year.
• Children aged over 8 years old should receive 1 Influenza vaccine injection annually.

Besides these mentioned preventions, children’s immune system should be boosted by consuming fresh, clean, and high nutrition foods, get enough sleep, and receive recommended vaccines.