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How to Tell When a Cold Isn't a Cold

By Donna Stark

Whether your children like it or not, they are probably back at school by now, but do you know what that means for everyone in the house? Well, it means germs and viruses will soon be back too! For most of our children, the majority of their sick days will be a result of the common cold, but if you aren't careful, things could turn into something more serious. It's important to keep a close eye on your children and their symptoms just in case what starts out like a cold really is something that needs to be looked at right away. Take a look at a few of the red flags you need to watch out for.

The Illness Lasts Longer Than a Week

The common cold tends to clear up on its own after a week or so. If your child is still struggling with symptoms after that time period, or if their symptoms haven't improved, you should take them in to see their primary care doctor for an evaluation. The reason for doing so is to rule out other, more serious, health issues.

A High Fever Is Present

While it is not uncommon to feel feverish with a bad cold, high fevers shouldn't be a part of the picture. If your child is experiencing a high fever it could be a sign of strep throat, which is something you definitely don't want to leave untreated.

Your Child Needs a Bucket by the Bed

Stomach issues generally don't accompany the common cold and could be a sign of something more serious, such as the flu. The biggest worry when children are dealing with stomach issues while feeling sick is that they can easily become dehydrated. Take your child into the doctor or at least have a conversation with the doctor over the phone to come up with a plan that will help.

The Symptoms Are Intense

Sure, it's never fun to be sick and the common cold can be pretty miserable to deal with, but rarely does a cold cause muscle aches, painful chills, and extreme fatigue. If your child is dealing with the flu, they could feel like they were just run over by a train! That's how intense the symptoms can be. So, if they are crying over just getting out of bed, get them to a doctor as soon as you can.

When a Cold Isn't a Cold

Clearly, you want the best for your children, so keep the red flags above in mind the next time your sickness invades your home. By monitoring their symptoms and knowing when to seek additional care or help, you can look forward to better health and wellness.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.

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