The Difference between a Cold and the Flu in Children

Written by Liu Li

Pediatrics

Updated on February 04, 2025

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Epidemic influenza and the common cold have different pathogens for children. The main cause of epidemic influenza is the influenza virus or parainfluenza virus, meaning that the cold is caused by one or both of these viruses. This condition is called influenza. On the other hand, the common cold can be caused by many viruses, such as rhinovirus or coronavirus, and includes the influenza virus among others. Therefore, the pathogens are different; about 90% of common colds are caused by viruses.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

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Can children with a cold eat eggs?

When a child has a cold, the diet should definitely be light, offering easily digestible foods. If the baby does not have a fever, eggs can be consumed in moderate amounts as they provide a rich source of protein, phospholipids, vitamins, and other nutrients. However, if the baby has a fever, it is best to avoid giving them eggs because eggs are relatively hard to digest and rich in protein and phospholipids, which can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, a fever can affect digestive functions, which is not conducive to the baby's recovery. Therefore, it should be determined based on the situation.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

49sec

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Do children with colds need to take cephalosporins?

Common colds in children are generally divided into bacterial colds and viral colds, with the majority being viral colds. For viral colds, it is mainly important to monitor body temperature and mental state, among other conditions. If there is a high fever, fever-reducing measures should be taken, and some antipyretic and detoxifying medications may be administered. If a bacterial cold is considered, such as acute tonsillitis caused by streptococcal infection, the use of sensitive antibiotics, such as cefaclor or cefixime, should be added to the treatment. Therefore, not all colds require cefaclor, but if the upper respiratory infection is caused by bacterial infection, cefaclor-type medications are needed for treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Qin Liang

Pediatrics

41sec

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Is rectal administration good for children with colds?

Rectal administration of medicine is not a treatment method used in formal hospitals; it is typically used for sedation or certain gastrointestinal disorders, requiring enema treatment. In some smaller clinics, enemas and rectal administration of medication might be used to treat children's fever and colds, which is an irregular treatment method and is best avoided. This may cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and lead to disorders such as diarrhea. Therefore, formal hospitals do not recommend using rectal administration to treat common issues like children's colds and fevers. Moreover, this method could potentially lead to side effects from the medication, affecting body functions.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

59sec

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Can children with a cold drink milk?

Children can drink some milk when they have a cold, but be sure to only give it in moderate amounts. After catching a cold, a child's respiratory tract may show signs of congestion and swelling among other inflammatory symptoms. Milk is rich in nutrients, including a large amount of protein which can help enhance the child's immune resistance, so it's appropriate to drink some in moderation. However, care must be taken not to drink too much because the digestive system of a child with a cold can be quite fragile. Drinking too much can easily overburden the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the child's digestion and absorption. During a cold, it is advisable to provide the child with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and to encourage them to drink plenty of warm water.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 4sec

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How many days will it take for a child to recover from a cold?

How long it takes for a child to recover from a cold depends on the specific circumstances. If it's just a minor cold, like a common viral cold with symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing, the symptoms can generally be controlled within about 3 to 5 days. However, if the child's cold symptoms are more severe, including high fever, coughing, and a runny nose, it could take longer, possibly 5 to 7 days or more. This is because some colds can lead to bronchitis or even develop into pneumonia. It is difficult to specify an exact duration in such cases. For instance, bronchitis generally requires about 5 to 7 days of treatment to control the symptoms. If pneumonia is involved, the recovery might take even longer, around 7 to 10 days or up to 2 weeks. Therefore, an assessment based on the child's specific condition is needed to estimate how long it might take to recover. A typical mild cold can usually have its symptoms controlled within about 3 to 5 days.