What’s the difference between the flu and the common cold?

The flu is a viral illness caused by the influenza virus with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. The common cold isn't caused by just one virus—it's a catch-all term for many different viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses (like COVID-19), influenza, parainfluenza, enteroviruses, RSV, adenoviruses, human metapneumovirus, and more.

Kids and recurring illness

Kids tend to get sick more often because their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to illnesses than adults. As they encounter new germs, their immune systems react to protect their bodies, leading to the symptoms we commonly see, like cough, congestion, and fever.

Younger children can average 6 to 8 colds per year, or more often for those who attend daycare. As they age and their immune system strengthens, they become better at fighting off germs, which means fewer illnesses each year.

Illness and daycare

Kids who attend daycare often experience frequent illness because they are exposed to more people and more germs. To help reduce the risk of illness, you can take the following steps:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap before touching items in the house after school

• Use hand sanitizer at school pickup

• Bathe and change clothing before playing at home

• Offer water to drink and nutritious foods at meals and snack time

• Establish an early bedtime on school nights to ensure your kids get plenty of rest

• Teach kids not to share food, utensils, or cups

• Maintain physical distancing or avoid crowded indoor areas when someone is sick

• Keep kids home from school, daycare, or camp activities when they are sick or have a fever

Croup

Croup is a viral illness that often presents with upper respiratory symptoms, notably a barky and noisy cough and difficulty breathing. It’s most commonly seen in infants and toddlers between 6 to 36 months of age, particularly during the fall and winter months. Similar to the common cold, croup can be caused by a variety of viruses, including parainfluenza, influenza, and rhinoviruses.

Ear infections

Kids get frequent ear infections because their immature eustachian tubes (the canal connecting the back of the upper airway to the middle ear) allow fluid to build up in the middle ear, especially after colds. Fluid buildup can lead to infections.

If your child has three or more ear infections within six months, or four or more within a year, speak to your pediatrician about getting evaluated by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.

What makes a child more prone to ear infections?

• Infants and toddlers (under 2 years of age)

• A family history of ear infections

• Exposure to secondhand smoke

• Being around other children, whether at home or in daycare

Tips to help reduce risk of ear infections

• Cold prevention (as noted above)

• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke

• Breastfeeding

• Decrease pacifier use after 6 months of age

• Vaccinate against streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenza, and influenza

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. It’s common in school-aged and older children, with symptoms of a sore throat and fever. Some children may also experience headaches or abdominal pain.

Strep throat is different from the flu or common cold because it is a bacterial infection, and requires testing and antibiotic treatment. The flu and the common cold are viral infections and symptoms subside over time.

How can I tell if my kid has a recurring illness or allergies?

Recurring infections present with symptoms like fever, lethargy, fussiness, and decreased feeding. Allergies typically cause congestion, sneezing, and mild fussiness or discomfort, without a fever.

If you have questions or concerns about respiratory infections, contact your local or Summer Health pediatrician for additional support.