Text_Files/Common_Cold_and_Influenza.txt

COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA (cont.) 
Division of Public Health Services  Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control   REVISED –January 2018 
COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA 
 
Common colds are mild infections of the nose and 
throat, which are very common in young children 
(and in adults who are around them), and are caused 
by many different viruses.  Usually the viral illness 
causes some combination of  stuffy nose, runny 
nose, sore throat, cough, runny eyes, ear fluid and 
fever. 
 
Influenza (the flu) is also caused by a virus (e.g., 
influenza-A, influenza -B) and causes symptoms of 
fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle ache 
and fatigue.  Most people  with influenza feel too ill 
to attend childcare. 
 
Occasionally, the common cold or influenza can be 
complicated by a bacterial infection such as an ear 
infection, sinus infections, or pneumonia.  These 
complications can be treated with appropriate 
antibiotics after evaluation by their health care 
provider. 
 
Who gets these diseases? 
Anyone can.  Young children may be sick with 
these illnesses several times per year.  As the 
number of persons in contact with a child increases, 
so does the likelihood of expos ure to the common 
viruses that cause the cold and flu. 
 
How are they spread? 
The viruses can be transmitted from one person to 
another in respiratory secretions (i.e., saliva, nasal 
discharge, and phlegm).  Infected droplets may be 
scattered through sneezing or coughing or they may 
land on surfaces touched by other persons, who then 
touch their eyes, nose or mouth. 
 
How soon do symptoms appear? 
The symptoms of a common cold appear as soon as 
12-72 hours after exposure.  The symptoms of 
influenza appear in 1- 4 days after exposure , and 
typically last 2-3 days. 
 
What is the treatment? 
While there is medication available , most health 
care providers suggest rest and plenty of fluids.  To 
see if there is bacterial infection in addition to the 
viral infection, a healthcare provider should 
evaluate a child who has a high fever, persistent 
cough, or earache.  Because of a possible 
association with Reye’s Syndrome (i.e., vomiting, 
liver problems and coma), salicylate -containing 
products (i.e., aspirin) are not recomme nded for 
control of fever. 
 
How can the spread of these diseases be 
prevented? 
Influenza vaccine is the primary method of 
preventing influenza and its severe complications.  
The vaccine should be given annually beginning  at 
6 months of age. Two doses should be given the 
first year the child receives the influenza vaccine.  
 
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended  for 
all children aged 6 months through age 18 with 
priority given to the following persons for influenza 
vaccine if influenza vaccine supplies are limited: 
• Children 6 months to 18 years 
• Pregnant women 
• Persons aged 50 years old and older 
• Persons of any age with certain chronic 
medical conditions 
• Persons who live with or care for persons at 
high risk 
 
Additional ways to prevent the spread of 
these diseases: 
• Get adequate rest, good nutrition, plenty of 
fluids 
• Avoid people who are sick 
• Observe children for symptoms of coughing, 
sneezing, headache, fatigue, fever.  Notify 
parent to pick child up 
• Remind children if they sneeze or cough 
into their hand or tissue, they must properly 
dispose of the tissue and wash their hands 


COMMON COLD & INFLUENZA (cont.) 
Division of Public Health Services  Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control   REVISED –January 2018 
• Runny noses and eyes should be promptly 
wiped, then wash their hands 
• Disposable tissues should be used.  Keep 
tissues available 
• Toys that children put in their mouths and 
frequently used surfaces (e.g., tables) should 
be washed and disinfected at least once each 
day 
• The childcare facility should have fresh air 
and be aired out completely once a day, 
even in the winter months 
 
Who should be excluded? 
Children should be excluded if they have a fever or 
are unable to participate in general activities.  
Exclusion is of little benefit since viruses are likely 
to spread. 
 
Reportable? 
No.  Influenza is not reportable, but please notify 
the Division of Public Health Services, Bureau of 
Infectious Disease Control  at (603) 271- 4496 of 
influenza outbreaks.  The common cold is not 
reportable.