Is it a Cold? Allergies? Or the Flu?
Being able to tell the difference between the common fall/winter illnesses is
hard. It is common to have varying signs and symptoms, but this may help
you decide if a visit to the doctor is needed.
Symptom Cold Flu Allergy
Fever Rare Usually yes Never
Headache Rare Yes Rare
Unless sinus infection
Runny Nose Yes Sometimes Yes
Clear than cloudy Cloudy or green Clear
Cough Yes Yes, may be severe Sometimes due to
Post nasal drip
Sore Throat Common Sometimes Sometimes due to
Post nasal drip
Fatigue, Sometimes Very Common Rare
Aches/pains
Vomiting/ Rare Sometimes Never
Diarrhea
Is School OK? Yes, if fever free After 24 hours Yes, if fever free
And clear drainage fever free w/o the and clear drainage
use of fever reducing
medicine
See a Doctor? Yes, if OTC meds Yes Yes, if OTC meds
no longer work or no longer work or
fever and nasal nasal drainage
drainage becomes becomes green/cloudy
green/cloudy
Not all medications are the same, so ask your doctor or pharmacist what over the counter
cold and allergy medicine is right for your child.
Remember Tylenol and Motrin only help reduce fever and relieve pain; they DO NOT
help with coughs and runny noses.
Any questions: call Chris Restmeyer RN School Nurse 469-742-7404