Jamie is lethargic and feverish with a runny nose and a deep cough. Is it the flu or a cold?
Flu and cold symptoms are similar, including sneezing, coughing, congestion and aches and pains. However, flu symptoms develop quickly and are usually more severe. Infants with the flu are often described as "just not looking right" or "sick all of a sudden". Fever, muscle aches, dizziness are often accompanied by nausea or diarrhea. After five days, most symptoms have cleared up in adults, but fatigue and a cough usually remain for a week or more. Children can exhibit symptoms for up to two weeks.

While a cold is usually caused by bacteria, the flu is a virus. Individuals are contagious as long as the symptoms are present, so children who are sneezing and coughing should not be in their regular child care environment.

Hand washing, especially in schools and child care, is perhaps the best method of prevention. Teachers and child care staff should be vigilant in sanitizing toys, cleaning classrooms. Children may have to be reminded not to share utensils and infant and toddlers should not share toys that are mouthed.