Introduction to Cold and Flu

A cold and the flu are common ailments during the colder months. Since both are viral in nature, neither can be treated with antibiotics. There are specific antiviral flu medications available if the flu is diagnosed within 48 hours. See flu medications for more information. Home care may help decrease the symptoms while the cold or the flu runs its course.

Children get more colds than adults do. A healthy child may have numerous viral infections a year. Some infections will be so mild that they may not even be noticed. It is important to know that a child’s immune system becomes stronger with each cold.

Complications from a cold or the flu may occur. The most common complications are bacterial ear infections in young children and bacterial pneumonia and sinusitis in all age groups. If symptoms of any of these complications develop, seek medical help. See When to Call the Doctor.