CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature    MP3 "Children and the Flu" FOR AIR WEEK OF DECEMBER 24, 2001 Is it the flu or just a bad cold? Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt, and this is the CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE. What’s the difference between the flu and a bad cold? Influenza is a very specific illness that begins with hacking cough, muscle aches, a headache and high fever. Both the flu and the common cold are viruses. Don’t expect your doctor to write a prescription for an uncomplicated case of the flu. Never ignore a fever that’s 104 degrees or higher. And even if your child’s fever is less than 104, call your doctor right away if the child is younger than four months, can’t take fluids, or seems more ill than you have come to expect. By the way, a fever that lasts more than 48 hours at any age is reason enough to call the doctor. This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare - - - Reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply for children’s health insurance that is $18 a month or less for most families. And join me next time for the CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE.