PDF Flu vs. Colds vs. Bacterial Infections

Flu vs. Colds vs. Bacterial Infections

Symptom

Influenza (flu)

Fever

Chills Headache

Usually present & high (102-104?F; lasting 3-4 days Common Very common

Aches and pains, muscle aches, chest discomfort Fatigue and weakness Extreme exhaustion

Very common; often severe

Moderate-severe; can last up to 14-21 days Very common in early illness

Stuffy or runny nose Common

Colds and other viral infections

(examples: common cold, RSV)

Uncommon in persons over 3 years of age Uncommon Uncommon Slight to moderate

Mild

Rare Very common

Bacterial infections (examples: strep

throat, ear infection, pneumonia)

Common Common Common with sinus infections and meningitis Common

Common

Sometimes Common; especially with sinus infection

Sneezing

Sometimes

Common

Common

Sore throat Nausea/, vomiting or diarrhea Cough Character

Severity Length Contagious period

Incubation period Treatment

Common

Up to 25% of children with flu may have these symptoms, but will ALWAYS have respiratory symptoms Non-productive ("dry") cough

Moderate Typically 3-7 days; sometimes up to 14 days 1 day before symptom onset and 3-5 days after; up to 7 days in children. Children with flu should remain home while symptoms are present.

4-7 days Prescription flu medication is effective in reducing the severity, contagiousness and duration of illness if taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear.

Common

Rare

Hacking cough, often productive and responds to cough medicines Mild to moderate Varies

Varies; typically one day before symptoms up to 5 days after Children and adolescents should remain home when he/she does not feel well.

12 hours to 5 days; usually 48 hours Over-the-counter cough/cold medication for the most bothersome symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections.

Common; primary symptom with strep throat infections Rare

Productive cough

Depends on site of infection 7-14 days

Some infections may resolve without antibiotic treatment. The decision to treat bacterial infections with antibiotics should be made by a health care provider. Children and adolescents should remain home as directed by a health care provider. 1-3 days Health care providers can help determine the most appropriate way to treat the illness.

The period during which someone can easily spread his/her illness to another person Length of time before getting sick after being exposed to an ill person

Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology Iowa Department of Public Health

Rev. 11/14/06

Tips for Caring for Ill Children As a parent, you know your child's behavior better than anyone. You will be able to tell when he or she is not recovering from illness as expected. The following symptoms are not typical of influenza, cold or bacterial infections but indicate serious illness. Contact your child's health care provider for specific information about an illness if your child: Has a fever that does not respond to over-the-counter fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen

(Advil, Motrin); Has a fever that lasts longer than 3 to 5 days; Is inconsolable or irritable and cannot be calmed; Lacks energy or has little interest in activities after his or her fever is reduced; and/or Is not taking fluids or keeping fluids down. Take immediate action if your child has difficulty breathing or exhibits fast, hard breathing. Children ill with influenza or some respiratory infections may develop serious complications in their lungs, which can result in difficult breathing that needs to be assessed by a health care provider.

Additional tips: Vaccinate children for influenza every year. Kids are at highest risk for having respiratory illness between the ages of six

months and three years. Children within this age range should get the influenza vaccine. Explore vaccinations for pneumonia and meningitis. There is a vaccine that helps prevent pneumonia and meningitis

infections. Contact your child's health care provider for more information. Avoid giving aspirin to children. Never give children or adolescents with flu or a fever aspirin or other medications containing

salicylates, included in some medications used for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Prescription medication can shorten influenza sick time. Several prescription flu medications are available to help reduce

the amount of time someone with flu is ill. They may prevent flu in close contacts of infected people. Names of frequently used prescription flu medications are: Symmetrel, Flumadine, Relenza (not approved for use in children less than 7 years of age) and Tamiflu. Medication must be started within the first 48 hours after flu symptoms appear to work effectively. Contact your child's health care provider as soon as possible if you suspect your child has influenza.

For more information on influenza, visit our website: idph.state.ia.us/adper/flu.asp

Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology Iowa Department of Public Health

Rev. 11/14/06

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