Mom reading thermometer to check son's fever

Cold, Flu, RSV and Covid-19 Resources

The cold, flu, RSV and covid-19 are common and contagious viruses—and can sometimes lead to serious complications. Here’s what parents need to know about helping their kids avoid these illnesses and how to treat when they do catch them.

This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

Young child coughing into elbow

Walking Pneumonia in Kids

Walking pneumonia is a respiratory illness caused by a bacteria. Here’s what parents need to know about common symptoms in kids and when it’s time to see a doctor.

nurse administering flu shot

4 Reasons Your Child Needs a Flu Shot

The flu is a common, contagious and potentially dangerous virus. Here’s how the flu shot can keep your family safe and why it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated.
Girl with the flu blowing nose

Flu, COVID-19, Cold—What’s the Difference?

Though they have some symptoms in common, here’s how to tell the difference between COVID-19, the flu and the common cold.
mother son checking in for flu care

When to See a Doctor for Flu Symptoms

The flu is a pesky virus, but it can usually be treated at home with rest and fluids. Here’s how to know when your sick child should be seen by a doctor.
kids washing hands with mom

The No. 1 Way to Keep Germs Away

Few things are more effective at preventing the spread of germs than good handwashing. Here’s what to know and how to teach your kids to do it right.
doctor meeting with infant and parent

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

If your infant or young child’s runny nose and cough turn into trouble breathing, the problem could be RSV, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Nurse giving an infant boy the flu shot

Staying Up to Date on Immunizations

Vaccines are the safest, best way to protect your child from several serious diseases.
Mother caring for sick child at home

How to Fend Off the Flu

The flu is contagious and mutates every year, so having had it in the past won’t protect you. Here’s how to keep safe this year.
dad caring for kid with flu at home

Fighting the Flu at Home

Though flu can keep kids sick and bedridden for several days, the good news is you can usually treat them at home. Here’s what to do.
boy showing his arm to Children’s nurse after receiving a vaccine

Why Kids With Asthma (Especially) Need a Flu Shot

Because the flu virus attacks the respiratory system, kids with asthma are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. Here’s how to protect them.
boy sneezing at home too sick for school

How to Know Your Child’s Too Sick for School

It’s natural for parents to want to send a sniffling child to school. But if your child has these symptoms, it’s best to keep him home.
Boy getting his temperature checked

What Do I Do When My Child Has a Fever?

Fevers in kids can be scary, but they’re not always a cause for alarm. Here’s what to do when your child feels hot and when it’s time to call the doctor.
Teen girls playing soccer in the summer

Safely Return to Sports After a COVID-19 Infection

Is your teen itching to play sports again after having coronavirus? There’s precautions every kid should first take.
Teen boy with myocarditis

Can the COVID vaccine cause myocarditis?

Heart inflammation can be triggered by the COVID vaccine in very rare cases, most often in teen or young adult males. Yet vaccination benefits still outweigh risks.