Cold or Flu?

The flu has run rampant this year and has come to our house.  I have heard several sad stories of children in the US dying of the flu and so thought I would send out a warning to all parents so that they know when to be concerned.

When to visit Urgent Care - Fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, difficulty or pain when breathing, severe chest or abdominal pain, confusion or dizziness, severe vomiting or diarrhea, bluish color to skin, stiff neck (and in infants, fever over 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit, no tears when crying, unable to eat, few wet diapers) 

When to call the doctor - Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, coughing up or blowing out yellow or green colored mucus, rash that accompanies fever, getting better and then starting to feel bad again, those who fit the description of being at high risk for developing complications (see below) 

The reason the flu is so dangerous is that it can lead to more serious complications like bronchitis, sinus and ear infections or pneumonia.  Young children, adults over 65 years of age, pregnant women and people (like me) with chronic illness such as lupus or COPD are more at risk for developing severe complications from the flu.

Symptom	Cold	Flu
Acute Symptoms		x
Body Aches		x
Chills		x
Coughing	x	x
Diarrhea		x
Fatigue		x
Fever		x
Gradual symptoms	x
Headache		x
Nausea		x
Runny Nose	x	x
Sneezing	x	x
Sore Throat	x	x
Stuffy Nose	x	x

Sources: CDC, Vicks, VeryWell, Everyday Health