Cold & Flu

What is it?

The Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, throat and chest. It is usually mild, with symptoms lasting about 1 week or less.

Colds are caused by one of hundreds of common viruses that can be easily transmitted from person to person, especially in school or daycare. The majority of colds are caused by viruses called rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses have also been implicated in triggering asthma attacks in young children.

Colds become more common after the age of two, and children are mainly responsible for "carrying" the cold to the family, due to school attendance and close contact with other children.

Most colds occur during the fall and winter when children tend to spend more time indoors, making it easier for viruses to spread from person to person.

Influenza ("the flu")

Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the lower respiratory tract (throat and chest) that usually lasts from 5 to 10 days. The flu virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. Most children who get the flu will not become seriously ill, although some (mainly those with serious medical conditions) can have the illness progress to pneumonia which may occasionally require hospitalization.