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Children
younger than about six often have six to eight colds a year. Kids
in child care may be sick more frequently. Parents of children who
don't start in child care until age two or three may notice a startling
jump in sick days once the child is in constant and close contact
with other kids.
There
are at least 200 different viruses that can cause colds or flu,
but fortunately, the body does not catch the same virus twice. These
viruses cause different symptoms that range from mild to severe.
With a rhinovirus, for example, a child might have a runny nose,
but not feel sick. With influenza, there might be fever, fatigue,
and achy muscles, but no head congestion whatsoever. Some viruses
cause intestinal symptoms: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea.
Kids
sometimes get sick with a virus and then develop secondary bacterial
infections such as ear infections or bronchitis. Antibiotics may
be necessary for bacterial infections, but viral infections cannot
be cured. They are self-limiting, though, meaning they'll go away
with time. You can use home and drug store remedies to ease the
symptoms and make your child more comfortable. Lots of rest and
plenty of fluids are tried and true treatments for colds and flu.
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