It can also be difficult to tell the difference between influenza and the common cold. Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Keep in mind that cold symptoms are usually milder than symptoms of the influenza. 

When your child is sick:

Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids. Keeping a sick child home helps minimize the spread of viruses in the classroom. Any time your child has the following symptoms CDC recommends seeking medical attention quickly:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing

• Not drinking enough fluids (not going to the bathroom or not making as much urine as they normally do)

• Not waking up, not interacting

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough