It's important to know the difference between flu and cold symptoms. A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While cold symptoms can make you feel bad for a few days, flu symptoms can make you feel quite ill for a few days to weeks.A hot drink may help reduce the symptoms of common colds and flu

Common Symptoms

The common cold can cause different symptoms in different people. Many different viruses give us colds so that may play a role in symptoms.

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Chills 
  • Extreme tiredness 
  • Dry cough 
  • Body aches
  • Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults. 

 Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. 

Treatment

Most of the time, you can take care of your child by offering plenty of fluids, rest, and extra comfort.

There are many antiviral medications that can be used to treat the flu and may help your child to get better a few days faster.

Wash your hands often, particularly when you are around people who have colds.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Keeping your distance from others will protect them from getting sick too.

Colds and flu are often spread by hand-to-hand contact. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after being exposed to viruses or bacteria.

Avoid smoking at home. Smoking is a respiratory irritant that increases susceptibility to viruses that cause colds and the flu.