Sacred Heart Health System has seen a dramatic increase in the number of flu cases over the past few weeks. For the week of Feb. 10-16, Sacred Heart's Laboratory ran tests on more than 500 people who came to Sacred Heart facilities with flu-like symptoms. Of those, 172 tested positive for influenza with the great majority of cases (76 percent) affecting children under age 18.

If your child gets sick, how will you know if it¡¦s the flu or a cold?

Symptoms and Indications
Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that someone in the family will not feel a little under the weather at some point this season. Use this quick guide below to spot the symptoms of the flu vs. the common cold:

Flu                               Cold
Sudden onset of illness  Slow onset of illness
High fever                      No fever or mild fever
Severe exhaustion         Mild exhaustion
Dry cough                     Severe or hacking cough
Throat fine                     Sore throat
Achy head                    No headache
Decreased appetite        Normal appetite
Achy muscles               No muscle aches
Chills                            No chills

If most of your answers fall into the first category, chances are your child has the flu. If most of your answers belong in the second category, it's most likely a cold.

What¡¦s the Best Medicine for the Common Cold?
"The old adage 'time cures all' may not always be true, but in the case of the common cold, it's pretty close," says Dr. Gary Pablo, Medical Director of Sacred Heart¡¦s Emergency Department. "During the duration of the cold, children should avoid vigorous activity and should get plenty of rest."

When treating the symptoms of a cold, follow these recommendations:
- Many of the over-the-counter remedies that contain zinc are beneficial and can help shorten the duration of the illness.
- Use salt water drops in the nostrils to relieve nasal congestion.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture. 
- Put petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose to soothe rawness. 
- Offer an older child hard candy or cough drops to suck on to relieve sore throat pain. 
- Consume plenty of extra fluids - juice, water, and carbonated beverages.

What to do if it's the Flu
- Offer your child plenty of fluids, which can include ice pops, icy drinks mixed in a blender, water, and soft fruits. 
- Encourage bed rest.  
- Provide acetaminophen for aches and pains. 
- Dress your child in layers.  
- Ask your doctor whether you (and other family members) would benefit from a flu shot. 
- Wash hands thoroughly and often.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor
Call your doctor whenever your child has a "cold" that lasts for more than 10 days, or for symptoms of "allergies" that don't clear with the usual allergy medication. If you suspect the flu, call your child's doctor.

If your child does not have a doctor, following are some options:
- Escambia Community Clinics, located at the corner of Palafox and Maxwell streets, will see children age 1 and above through the ExpressCare walk-in clinic open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone number: 436-4630.
-  Sacred Heart's Pediatric Emergency Room at the ER/Trauma Center
-  Sacred Heart's Urgent Care Center located at Highway 29 and "W"¨ St. (open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Think Prevention!
To help reduce the spread of germs, wash your hands thoroughly and often, avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils, avoid picking up used tissues with your hands, and cover your cough. 

For more information about Sacred Heart services or for a free personalized newsletter about health issues of interest to you, please call 416-1600 or visit http://my.sacred-heart.org/subscribe/.

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