Pediatric Cold and Flu
When a child gets a congested (stuffy) nose, we often jump to one of two conclusions – it’s a cold or it’s the flu. The truth is there is a difference between the two, and it is important to know which is which. Although the symptoms are similar, such as nasal congestion, there are other tell-tale signs of which illness your child has. Nasal congestion alone can make a child feel uncomfortable. This, plus the other symptoms can create an irritable and frustrated child.
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Flu symptoms vs cold symptoms
Both the flu and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold is caused by a number of different viruses1. For a cold it is better to let it run its course, but should your child not get better, seek medical attention. If it is the flu, it is best to visit your doctor to stop your child from getting worse.
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Symptoms of the flu include:
- A high temperature
- Body aches and pains
- Body chills
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Low energy levels, and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Some children may experience belly pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea2
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Symptoms of a cold in children include:
- Moderate temperature (if any)
- Tickly throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Energy levels are still high2
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Dealing with nasal congestion
The flu and the common cold share similar symptoms, one of which is nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is never pleasant – your head hurts, your sinuses hurt, your nose won’t stop running and you feel completely miserable. When your children are congested, they feel the same way, and depending on their age are unable to let you know or understand how they are feeling. They are uncomfortable and unable to breathe easily which can lead to frustration and in some cases acting out. When you feel relief from nasal congestion, your entire mood changes and you start to feel like your old self again. For children it is the same thing, but it is always difficult making the connection in the beginning.
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What causes nasal congestion?
Congestion occurs as a symptom of colds and flu as well as sinus infections3, and environmental factors such as allergies. Nasal congestion can last between 1 to 2 weeks, or it can last longer if an environmental issue is the cause. If it does persist, and if it occurs with a fever, especially in babies under three months old, a doctor needs to be consulted. Otherwise, home care is all that is recommended.
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Symptoms of nasal congestion
The symptoms associated with nasal congestion can include:
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Sinus pain
- Mucus build-up
- Swollen nasal tissue
- A child younger than 3 months presents with a fever
- A fever that lasts more than five days in a row
- Chills or sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Greenish or bloody nasal discharge
- Unusual sleepiness
- Severe headache
- Persistent crying
- Ear pain
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The best way to relieve congestion in children
Finding a solution that works is the best thing for any mom. When a child is happy so is mom. Karvol has long been known as a mother’s trusted, first choice when looking for a solution to help her child breathe easier and even works for the rest of the family as well. The Karvol range including decongestant capsules, a decongestant room spray and a decongestant chest rub, can help to alleviate nasal congestion associated with colds and flu, allergies, sinusitis and bronchitis. All products in the range boast the trusted Karvol formula which includes a combination of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus, camphor, thymol, lavender and menthol which when released actively work together to help you breathe more easily.
- The Karvol decongestant capsules when opened can be added to water when steaming, a humidifier or even dropped onto a handkerchief and left next to your bed while sleeping.
- The Karvol decongestant room spray is sprayed twice into a closed room to allow the vapours to spread evenly.
- The Karvol decongestant chest rub is applied directly onto the chest allowing you to breathe in the vapours.
Medical References
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-vs-cold.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/nasal-congestion#causes
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/nasal-congestion-in-children-child/related-factors/itt-20009075