Sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose — these symptoms can make it hard to tell whether your child is coming down with a common cold or something more serious like the flu. While both illnesses affect the respiratory system, there are a few key differences to watch for.

While a fever is often the body’s way of fighting off an infection, it’s important to watch for other symptoms that may point to something more serious. In most cases, fevers go away within a few days — but when certain signs appear alongside a high temperature, it may be time to call your doctor.

Monitoring a child’s temperature is one of the first and most important steps when managing a fever. This guide will walk you through common methods for checking a child’s temperature, age-specific recommendations, and when it may be time to consult a healthcare provider.