Your kid woke up with a fever and that glazed, “I don’t feel good” look. Now what? Colds, flu, and COVID can look almost identical in children — but they’re not the same. Here’s how to decode it.

The Cold

Low and slow. Runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat, maybe a mild fever. Kids are usually still somewhat themselves — just with more tissues. Expect it to hang around for about a week.

The Flu

Fast and fierce. Sudden high fever, chills, body aches, headache, serious fatigue. Your normally energetic kid doesn’t want to move. Flu can lead to complications in children — ear infections, dehydration, pneumonia.

COVID-19

The chameleon. It can mimic a cold, mirror the flu, or barely show symptoms at all. Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue — sometimes loss of taste or smell. Only testing tells you for sure.

When to Bring Them In

Fever that won’t budge. Rapid or labored breathing. They’re getting worse, not better. Or you just want to know what’s going on so you can plan accordingly.

Night Watch Winchester is in your corner — so you’re never alone when your child is under the weather.