Common Illnesses and their Differences Among Children that Parents Should Know

Children’s bodies are adapting to new senses, tastes, and building up an immune system. And while that is happening, no parent really wants their child to fall ill. In general, a healthy base nourishment and preventative care ensures that a child recovers or is less affected by common illnesses like flu, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting. Sometimes these illnesses can show similar symptoms and are hard for parents to tell. A doctor’s visit is most recommended for more thorough treatment. But all in all, along with fresh foods, preventive care, and immunity boosting nutritional supplements such as Pediasure can help kids grow with a complete and balanced nutrient amalgamation for the body.¹^,⁴^,⁵

Flu vs A Cold

Sore throat, nasal symptoms, runny nose, congestion, and coughs are common in both. The difference is the severity and speed of onset. Colds usually stop with a runny or stuffy nose that goes away after a few days and fevers are rare. For the flu, symptoms are more intense and begin abruptly with persistent muscle pain, cramps, sore throat, headache, and a fever. Since the symptoms are more severe and lasts longer with a minimum of a week of feeling fatigued, the flu can lead to more severe complications like pneumonia.²^,³

To care: Take their temperature and monitor. A common cold rarely goes above 101℉ (≙38℃). Keep your child away from crowded places as much as possible and allow them plenty of rest. Provide them plenty of fluids, warm soup, warm milk or alternative (eg, Pediasure can be made with warm or cold water), vitamin C rich veggies and fruits, and hot compresses to help with body aches and give their body’s immunity a boost.²^,³

Diarrhea and vomiting

These two symptoms can be an indicator of the flu so to rule it out, taking your children’s temperature and look for other common flu symptoms.³ Otherwise, digestive issues are most commonly caused by unclean food & drinks contaminated with E. coli, parasites, or salmonella. However, food allergies and intolerance can also be the culprit.¹

To care: Keep your child well hydrated with fluids as diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration. Since solids may be difficult to take in, plain or lightly flavored porridge or toast are easily digestible. Also adding probiotics rich foods or supplements like Pediasure can help regulate the microbiome in the gut to help fight off the bad bacteria. Pediasure also contains a healthy amount of fiber to help bulk up stool and slow transit time of food.¹^,³

Prevention for All: Hand washing before meals, avoiding contact with those you suspect to be ill, and keeping children from putting potentially contaminated objects in their mouths prevents most illnesses. Since a healthier body is better at defending against infections, a balanced diet with an immune boosting nutritional supplement like Pediasure can help. Scientifically formulated with 37 key nutrients that include growth supporting protein, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin E, your child can play growth catch up and live a fully enriched life.¹^,⁴^,⁵

References:

https://abbottfamily.com.sg/articles/toddler/common-illness#
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20symptoms%20of,than%20the%20symptoms%20of%20flu.
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-cold-symptoms
https://pediasure.com/child-development-nutrition/powerful-nutrition-kids
https://pediasuremyanmar.com/formulation-support/