When should I call my child’s doctor?

It is not easy to tell whether your child has a cold or influenza because many of the symptoms are the same.

“Flu” is caused by the influenza virus and symptoms can be mild to severe. However, the flu is more dangerous than the common cold, especially for older adults and children who are younger than 5 years old or have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Call or see a doctor when your child:

• Has fast breathing or breathing difficulty.

• Has bluish skin color.

• Doesn’t wake up easily or doesn’t want to play.

• Is so irritable he or she doesn’t want to be held.

• Gets better, but then symptoms return with a fever or worse cough.

• Has fever with a rash.

Remember, it’s not too late for a flu shot. If you are a caregiver, you should get one, too. They are free to all CareOregon members.

You can find out more about colds, flu and when to visit the doctor by looking in your Healthwise© Handbook. You can also learn about colds and flu here on the CareOregon web site, in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.