What is a cold? 

A common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses, an illness which affects the nose, throat and sinuses. Cold symptoms are usually mild and often include a runny or stuffy nose.  There are many different cold viruses, so your child may have eight to 10 colds in a year. 

What is the flu (influenza)? 

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. In Manitoba, flu season usually begins in the fall and lasts into the spring. Symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and can include sudden high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, sore throat and dry cough. Young children may also have nausea and an upset stomach.  

What is COVID-19? 

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a virus in the coronavirus family. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness. Some may become seriously ill and require medical care. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are similar to a cold or the flu. 

How is a cold, the flu or COVID-19 spread? 

Colds, the flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses (germs). They are spread from one person to another when the germ gets into the mouth, nose or eyes. This can happen when: 

• coughing
• sneezing
• kissing
• holding hands 
• touching used tissues, toys and other surfaces 

Common signs and symptoms of colds, the flu and COVID-19 

Adapted from Common Symptoms of a Cold, the Flu and COVID-19 – The National Institute on Aging. 

What should I do if I think my child has a cold, the flu or COVID-19? 

• A cold, the flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses. They will last a few days to a few weeks and go away on their own. Antibiotics will not help. 
• If your child is sick, you should keep them comfortable and care for them at home. 
• Children with chronic diseases, cancer and those taking medications that suppress the immune system should contact their doctor if they have symptoms of influenza or COVID-19.  
• For advice about when your child should see a doctor, click here. 

Tips for comforting your sick child: 

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids. 
• Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat. 
• If your child has a fever, dress them in light clothing and remove any extra blankets. For managing fever, see our page:  Kid’s Fever: What to Know, When to Get Help. 
• For information about fever medicine, cough and cold medicines and medicated nose sprays, see our page: Over the Counter Medication and Children. 
• Colds, the flu and COVID-19 cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be used when children develop bacterial infections, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. 
• Use saline (salt water) drops to help clear a stuffy nose. If your infant is having trouble feeding because of a stuffed nose, you can use nose suction products such as a nasal aspirator or bulb suction. Use saline nose drops or saline nose spray if the mucus is very thick. The spray goes well into the nasal passages and may be easier to use and may work better than the drops. 
• Try a cool mist humidifier. This can help clear a stuffy nose more comfortable. Be sure to clean and dry the humidifier to prevent bacteria or mould buildup. 

Used with permission from the Hospital for Sick Children Note: Other videos may be recommended by the host channel (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo). These suggestions may be based on your personal search history and other factors. The Manitoba government does not control these suggestions and is not responsible for and may not endorse the content.  

How is a cold, the flu or COVID-19 diagnosed? 

• To diagnose a cold or the flu, your health-care provider will examine your child and ask about their signs and symptoms. They may also do a nose and throat swab to test for the influenza virus if your child has a serious medical condition such as cancer or is being admitted to the hospital. 
• For information on COVID-19 testing, see COVID-19 Testing Advice and Guidance – Government of Manitoba. 

How to prevent the spread of a cold or the flu 

• If your child has symptoms of a respiratory infection, follow public health guidance to help limit the spread of viruses to others.  
• Have your child vaccinated for all recommended illnesses including the seasonal influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”) and the COVID-19 vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe for any child over six months of age and it is suggested your child gets it every year.
  • It is also important for parents, family members and caregivers of your child to get vaccinated for the flu so that they do not spread the flu.  
• To learn more about vaccine preventable respiratory illnesses, visit Manitoba.ca/vaccine  
• Wash your and your child’s hands with soap and water after coughing, sneezing or wiping a nose. To learn more see Hand Hygiene – Government of Manitoba.
  • Sing your child’s favourite song while washing their hands to make sure they are washing long enough. 
• Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow or into a tissue instead of your hands. Teach your child to do this too! To learn more, see: Cover your Cough and Sneeze – Government of Manitoba. 
• Keep your child home from daycare or school when they are sick to prevent spreading germs to other people. 
• Teach your child not to share items that may be dirty with germs such as cups and eating utensils. 

For more information: 

• Talk to your health-care provider; or  
• Call Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200; toll-free at 1-888-315-9257
• Visit:
  • Kid Care- Children and Teens – Shared Health  
  • Vaccine-Preventable Respiratory Illnesses – Government of Manitoba  
  • Caring for Kids – Canadian Pediatric Society