Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Health Guide    

A cold, or Covid-19? How to know the difference



Cold and flu season makes the pandemic more complicated

Cold and flu season makes the pandemic more complicated


I was recently teaching a child of 11 who had the sniffles. We were both masked and distanced. I felt bad for him, because while my mind kept telling me it’s very, very likely just a cold (it was), another, Covid-19-influenced voice was advising me to get away, fast. You know that voice. The one that says, you can’t be too careful, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Although we didn’t speak about it, the child knew he was in the unfortunate position of being a person with a cold in the Age of Covid-19. Usually engaged, he was shy and embarrassed, and bolted when it was time to leave.

Going forward, there will be more kids like him, as cold and flu season runs its course alongside the pandemic. And in part because Covid-19 symptoms differ wildly from person to person, and can mimic everything from the flu to a cold to other illnesses, it’s easy to understand how parents will be on edge, wondering if they should keep a child home, isolate them from siblings or take them to the doctor.

Writing for Popsugar, and taking her info from a Harvard study, Karen Schweitzer has some helpful tips for parents. “If your child has a fever,” she writes, “they should stay home. Chances are high that it is not the coronavirus, but they are still contagious. Many schools and pediatric offices are recommending that children with a persistent cough or runny nose should remain at home as well. Although that might seem more extreme — what preschooler isn't a boogery mess most days?! — it's simply an added step to mitigating risk.”

READ MORE: Covid-19 vaccine: a guide for parents

Dr. Claire McCarthy, MD, a primary care pediatrician who is also a professor at Harvard University, also has some practical, empathetic advice: “Not only is staying home and resting the best way to get better, but also you don't want to panic others by having your child cough in their child's face.”

The big question, of course, is: under what circumstances do I take my child to the doctor? Here’s a list:

  • any trouble breathing (rapid or heavy breathing, sucking in around the neck or ribs)

  • a severe cough that won't stop or that interferes with sleep or play

  • a high fever that won't come down even with medication

  • unusual sleepiness

  • any signs of dehydration (refusal to take fluids, dry mouth, not urinating at least every six hours, no tears when crying)

Also: “Covid toes,” where they are purple, blue, or there are red lesions appearing on patients' toes. Oddly, health experts now believe this may be a way to diagnose the infection, as they have appeared in otherwise asymptomatic and severe cases alike.

Schweitzer emphasizes that Covid-19 in children is still remarkably rare. Nevertheless, good information from reliable sources is key to mitigating at least some anxieties, and we’ll take whatever we can get in that department.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »