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

40sec

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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

1min 1sec

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What should I do if a child has a cold with a persistent high fever?

For a minor cold accompanied by persistent high fever, firstly, it is essential to monitor body temperature. If the fever continues, the initial step should be to reduce the fever, which can be done by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally every 4 to 6 hours as required. Additionally, physical cooling methods such as tepid sponge baths, warm baths, and drinking warm water can also be used. If the fever persists or recurs, it's crucial to visit a hospital for routine blood tests and C-reactive protein assessments to evaluate the condition and determine whether it is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat the infection. If a viral infection is considered to be the cause of the ongoing fever, treatment should primarily focus on fever reduction. Attention should also be paid to mental responses and changes in body temperature.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

52sec

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What are the symptoms of viral colds in children?

Symptoms of viral cold in children include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough with phlegm, fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat. When having a cold, it is important to rest first, avoid strenuous exercise, and allow the body to focus its resources on the functioning of the immune system. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as all immune mechanisms rely on sufficient water. Drinking more water leads to more urination, which increases the excretion of water-soluble vitamins, so it is necessary to adequately supplement water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B. Fruits and vegetables are preferred. Additionally, symptomatic medication treatment should be applied.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min 14sec

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Do children with colds need to take cephalosporins?

Pediatric colds can be divided into viral colds and bacterial infections that cause upper respiratory tract symptoms. Generally speaking, 90% of cases are commonly viral colds. Viral colds are mainly treated symptomatically. Appropriate antiviral medications can be used, and antipyretics can be given during fevers. Also, drinking plenty of warm water and using some Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be sufficient. However, if the viral infection lasts a long time, it can easily lead to a secondary bacterial infection. In such cases, antibiotics can be used. Initially, oral penicillin antibiotics should be chosen, and cephalosporin antibiotics can also be selected for anti-infection treatment. If considering bacterial infection causing upper respiratory tract infection, such as acute tonsillitis caused by streptococcus infection, oral penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics for anti-infection treatment can be used. Therefore, it is essential to choose medications based on the specific situation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei

Pediatrics

48sec

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How to determine whether a child's cold is caused by a virus or bacteria

When determining whether a child's cold is caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection, you can take the child to the hospital for a routine blood test. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection. Combined with the routine blood test, if there is an increase in white blood cell count and neutrophil count, it usually indicates a bacterial infection. If the white blood cell count is normal, or low, along with an increase in lymphocyte count or percentage, it usually indicates a viral infection. Alternatively, combining this with a C-reactive protein test, if the C-reactive protein level significantly multiplies, then it indicates a bacterial infection.