Help parents understand that, while there's no cure for viruses like the common cold or flu, there are ways to manage symptoms and make their child more comfortable.
Below is a table that outlines typical symptoms or characteristics of a cold and a flu.
Encourage parents to talk to a healthcare professional if they have any questions about these
symptoms or any specific diagnosis.
Cold symptoms:
Flu symptoms:
Gradual over 48 hours; lasts up to 2 weeks
Sore throat
Fever when first sick, or no fever
Runny or stuffy nose
Mucus starts clear but changes to gray; can also be yellow or green
At times: cough and hoarse voice
Sneezing and watery eyes
Sudden; lasts 2-7 days
Fever with a runny nose, sore throat, and bad cough
Avoid: Sharing food, drinks, utensils, etc, as well as close contact with those who are already sick
Wash: Make sure your child washes his or her hands often
Cover: Coughs and sneezes
Protect: Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and give your child the annual flu shot by the end of October. It is generally safe for your child to receive additional shots, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, in the same visit, but talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Tips for talking with vaccine-hesitant parents,
from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Despite concerns, most parents still vaccinate their children. Research has found that healthcare professionals can encourage vaccination by taking a “presumptive” rather than “participatory” approach to the subject. For example, rather than asking, “Do you want to vaccinate your child today?” (participatory), it can be more effective to say, “It's time for the annual flu vaccine. Your child is old enough to receive either the shot or the nose spray” (presumptive).1
Other communication tips include:
Stay positive: Emphasize the number of lives saved by immunization, rather than focusing on those who have suffered from not being immunized
Show the big picture: Mention collective benefits as often as individual benefits
Use imagery: Talk about vaccines as a “partner” for the body’s immune system, which helps teach the immune system how to respond to viruses
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