Calpol 1 / Sep 2020 / In-Image

When your kid is sick with a cold or any respiratory virus, most parents jump to action. When it comes to most common respiratory viruses, however, your child usually just needs lots of TLC for their symptoms—not a prescription or over-the-counter medication. If your child has influenza (the flu), a prescription can help, but they'll still need at-home care to relieve their symptoms. Here's what to do and what to watch for when your child is sick.

Colds vs. Influenza

First, be sure you know how to distinguish a cold from the flu, because a child with the flu may need to see a doctor. Colds and flu are both highly contagious and, in the initial stages, a bad cold and a mild case of the flu might seem alike. However, flu is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications, unlike colds.

When to Call the Doctor

If you suspect that your child has the flu, seek treatment within the first 48 hours in order to receive antiviral medications such as Tamiflu.

Even if you don't suspect the flu, contact your doctor right away if your child has any of these symptoms.