It usually starts small. A sniffle at breakfast, a warm forehead at bedtime, a cough you hear through the bedroom door at midnight.
Before you know it, the tissue box is empty and you’re wondering how many school days this one is going to cost. One thing’s for certain: cold and flu season is here.
What makes this time of year so stressful is that many illnesses look alike at first. A cough and a fever could point to a cold, the flu, COVID, RSV, strep throat, or something else entirely.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Knowing which symptoms to watch, and when to bring your child in, can make the season feel much more manageable. Here’s what you need to know before the sniffles besiege your family.
For a broader look at when a visit makes sense, our parent’s guide to when to take your child to a pediatric urgent care is a great place to start.
Common Cold and Flu Season Symptoms
During the colder months, you may notice one or more of these in your children:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Ear pain
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea in some cases
Some kids bounce back in a few days. Others feel miserable for longer, or seem to improve and then take a turn. Watching how symptoms change over time can tell you just as much as the symptoms themselves.
Why Symptoms Can Be Hard to Sort Out
Colds, flu, COVID, RSV, and strep throat often share the same early signs. A sore throat might come from a simple cold or from strep. A fever with a cough could be flu or COVID. Even experienced parents can’t always tell the difference just by looking, and that’s completely normal.
When symptoms overlap, or when a provider recommends it, testing can help bring clarity. Testing may help narrow down what is causing your child’s symptoms, and our friendly providers can recommend testing when appropriate.
When to Visit KidsStreet Urgent Care
Pediatric urgent care for cold and flu is a good fit when your child’s symptoms aren’t life-threatening but still deserve a closer look. KidsStreet offers urgent care for kids with a team that understands little patients. Consider bringing your child in for:
- A fever that isn’t improving
- A sore throat with fever or swollen glands
- A cough that’s getting worse
- Body aches and fatigue that came on suddenly
- Ear pain
- Trouble keeping fluids down
- Symptoms that may need testing
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
And sometimes the best reason to come in is simply that something feels off to you. You know your child better than anyone, and your concern is a good reason to have a provider take a look.
When Testing May Help
KidsStreet can offer testing when appropriate for illnesses such as:
- Flu
- COVID
- Strep throat
- RSV
Testing is only one part of the visit. A medical provider will also review your child’s symptoms, perform an exam, and consider the full picture before recommending next steps.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Some symptoms should not wait. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if your child has:
- Trouble breathing
- Blue lips or face
- Chest pain
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Confusion or extreme sleepiness
- A seizure
- Any symptoms that feel life-threatening
If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, it’s always okay to choose the emergency room.
What to Expect at KidsStreet
Our mission is to make your visit as calm and simple as possible! When you come in, you can expect:
- A review of your child’s symptoms
- An exam by a medical provider
- Testing when appropriate
- Clear guidance on next steps
- Return-to-school documentation when appropriate
Visit KidsStreet During Cold and Flu Season
Sick days never happen at a convenient time, and fevers love to show up after the pediatrician’s office has closed.
That’s why KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week! Whether you’re dealing with flu symptoms, a lingering cough, or a sore throat that just won’t quit, our team is here to evaluate your child’s symptoms and help you understand what to do next.
Register online to save your spot in line! Online registration is not an appointment, but it can help reduce in-clinic wait times by adding you to the queue before you arrive.