Influenza and colds are alike in that they are both self-limiting illnesses.
Generally speaking, the symptoms of the flu are milder and more likely to have localized symptoms such as a runny nose, which rarely have complications，such as pneumonia.
Influenza is more seasonal, which of more pronounced complications with systemic symptoms, and is prone to epidemic outbreaks. Once a child has the flu, he or she is more likely to have fever and generalized aches and pains, especially in children younger than 2 years old, and is more likely to have complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and otitis media.
At the same time, there are effective antiviral drugs for influenza. In the early stages of influenza, the use of drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamivir can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Doctors usually help diagnose influenza based on the prevailing and local influenza epidemic, patient's symptoms while with the help of some viral tests.
For children, the biggest difference in medication between the influenz and the cold is that antivirals can be used in the early stages of the latter, while there is no difference in the use of other medications. Although it is difficult for parents to distinguish influenza from colds and other respiratory illnesses based on common sense, it is not possible to apply targeted antiviral medications as soon as a child has initial respiratory symptoms.
Drug abuse for self-limiting diseases can greatly increase the risk of medication for children, while antiviral drugs are prescription drugs and need to be applied under the guidance of a medical professional.
