Cold vs. Flu: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Everyone knows what “Cold and Flu Season” means—runny noses, fevers, missed school days, sleepless nights, and lots of tissues. But despite hearing about colds and the flu together all the time, many people don’t realize just how different these illnesses really are.

A parent once asked me, “Why do we say ‘cold and flu’ season? Why does flu get special treatment?” That helped me realize something: many people don’t see a big difference between a cold and the flu. It's very common to hear parents say, “We’ve got the flu running through the house” when they really mean colds. And don’t get me started on “stomach flu”—which isn’t the flu at all! So let’s clear up the confusion.

The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

While they tend to peak around the same time of year, colds and influenza are caused by completely different viruses. The common cold can come from over 200 different viruses, while influenza is caused by strains of the influenza virus—which is why we have a vaccine for flu but not for colds.

A typical cold often starts gradually and usually doesn’t cause a high fever. If a fever is present, it’s usually mild and lasts no more than 2-3 days. Other common symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough and mild congestion
• Sore throat
• Body or head aches
• Fatigue

And there are many other, less common symptoms. If symptoms remain mild and follow this typical pattern, it’s usually just a cold. But if symptoms are different, more severe, or last longer, we start looking for complications like ear infections, sinus infections, or pneumonia, among others.

What Makes Influenza Worse?

Influenza, on the other hand, is a completely different beast. Unlike colds, the flu often comes on suddenly and can make kids feel much worse for longer. Here’s what I expect to see with influenza:

• High fevers (often 103-104°F and lasting up to a week)
• Severe body aches and extreme fatigue (so bad that kids stay in bed for days)
• Chills, headaches, and significant weakness
• Cough, congestion, and runny nose—just like a cold, but with much worse overall symptoms

And that’s not even including possible complications like pneumonia, dehydration, hospitalizations, or even death.

Why Doctors Take Flu More Seriously

Because influenza can be much more severe than the common cold, we approach it very differently. This is why we:

• Recommend the flu vaccine—designed to reduce the risk of serious complications, hospitalizations, and death (not just to prevent illness itself)
• Consider antiviral treatments (like Tamiflu), which may help shorten symptoms if started early (but may not be worth the side effects)
• Watch sick kids much more closely

While most children do recover on their own from both colds and the flu, flu complications happen often enough that we take them seriously. That’s why we strongly recommend the flu vaccine—it’s the best way to protect kids from severe illness.

When to Check in With Your Pediatrician

Even though kids generally get better on their own from colds and influenza with rest, hydration, and time, pediatricians still want to help. You should check in with your pediatrician if your child:

• Has a fever lasting more than 3-4 days
• Is having trouble breathing or wheezing
• Is extremely lethargic or not drinking enough fluids
• Develops ear pain, persistent cough, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement

Or if you have any questions, any other concerns, or just need reassurance!

Lighthouse Pediatrics Is Here for You

At Lighthouse Pediatrics, we make it easy to get the care your child needs—whether it’s a cold, the flu, or something more serious. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, direct communication, and expert guidance to help you navigate cold and flu season with confidence.

If you're unsure whether your child needs a visit, schedule an appointment today—we're here to help!