Cold and Flu in Children: Signs, Symptoms and Remedies

The symptoms for colds and flu overlap with some of the symptoms of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). If your child’s temperature is high, or if they have a continuous cough, contact your GP and mention their symptoms. Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be used for treating COVID-19 symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of colds and flu in children

The symptoms for colds and flu are similar, but you can keep an eye out for specific symptoms and monitor how they develop in your child.

Flu:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Coughing, often dry and chesty
• Sore throat
• Pain in the ear

Your child may be infectious for around seven days from the first day of flu symptoms.

Cold:

• Blocked or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Coughs and sneezing
• Pressure in the ears and face
• Loss of taste and smell
• Fever

It’s normal for a child to have five to eight colds a year, more than adults as they are building their immunity.

What to Avoid

To avoid catching and spreading germs, encourage children, and those around them, to wash their hands often. Another thing to try to do is to use tissues to trap germs when coughing or sneezing, and to bin the tissue immediately afterwards. Don’t touch the eyes or nose in case they’ve come into contact with the virus, as it can infect the body this way, and avoid sharing towels or household items such as cups, with anyone who is, or may be, infected.

How to treat colds and flu?

You can help your child manage a cold or flu without seeing a doctor, but if symptoms persist beyond a week or two, contact a medical professional. If their flu symptoms seem to be more severe day by day, you should also contact a doctor.

Why Ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen relieves pain, fever and has anti-inflammatory properties. It works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body, reducing pain, fevers and more.

Why Nurofen for Children can help

Nurofen for Children Cold, Pain and Fever 3 Months to 9 Years - Orange lasts up to 8 hours. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is fast-acting, reducing a fever in just 15 minutes. Available in strawberry or orange flavours and is free from artificial colours and flavours.

If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.