Flu

• CALLING CARD Chills, cough, stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes fever

• THE SUSPECT The flu shares symptoms with the common cold, but it generally starts rapidly and comes with more severe symptoms.

• STING OPERATION Call your pediatrician as soon as you suspect baby may have the flu, especially if your baby is very young or has other medical issues. Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest.

• WHEN TO CALL FOR BACKUP Your baby's doctor may be able to prescribe an antiviral drug to help baby feel better soon.

• PROBATIONARY PERIOD Your baby may be sick for three to five days, but she could be contagious for up to a week.

Cold

• CALLING CARD Runny nose, nasal congestion, cough and sneezing

• THE SUSPECT The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. Another symptom is a low-grade fever.

• STING OPERATION Baby needs time to recover. Keep him hydrated and rested, and keep his nasal passages moist with saline drops or an air vaporizer to help reduce inflammation.

• WHEN TO CALL FOR BACKUP Call your doctor if the symptoms last for more than two weeks or if the cough morphs into wheezing or gasping.

• PROBATIONARY PERIOD Expect to see baby's condition start to improve in a week. If it doesn't, see your doctor.