Home Remedies for Children's Colds and Flu
Winter may mean snow, sleds, and outdoor fun for children -- but it can also mean colds, sore throats, fever, and flu.
When winter ills strike, soothe symptoms with these simple home treatments.
Common Cold Comforts: Tips to Help Your Child Feel Better
There are over 200 cold viruses ready to lay your family low with nasal congestion,sore throat, and cough. Combat cold symptoms with these home remedies.
- Get rest. Rest helps the body focus its energy on getting well, so keep kids home from school to keep them warm, and well-rested.
- Drink lots of fluids. Replenish liquids lost from fever, vomiting anddiarrhea. Fluids also help loosen mucus.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier in your child's room can keep the air moist and break up nasal and chest congestion.
- Talk to your pediatrician before giving OTC cold and cough medicines. These medicines should not be given to children under 4 years of age, according to the FDA and the drug makers. Also, evidence indicates medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines don't really help, but they could pose a small risk of serious side effects.
Cold Symptoms: When to Call a Doctor
Most colds pass in seven to 10 days, but give your child's pediatrician a call if your child has:
- Excessive trouble breathing
- An earache
- A fever great than 101° F that lasts for longer than 72 hours
- A persistent cough
- Vomiting, by itself or after coughing
- Swelling of the sinuses or tonsils
Flu Symptoms: Tips to Help Your Child Feel Better
The flu can come on suddenly and may include fever. Help kids cope with these quick tips.
- Keep kids home and well-rested.As with colds, bed-rest is vital to helping the body's immune system fight the flu.
- Gargle with warm salt water. Salt water can help relieve sore throatpain, while salt water nose drops can help loosen mucus.
- Stay hydrated. Fluids help the body tackle infection. Make sure your child drinks water, herbal tea, or 100% juice or eats clear soups to get the liquids he or she needs.
- Talk to your doctor about medications. Pain relievers likeacetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve aches. Never giveaspirin to children under 18 because it can cause potentially fatalReye's syndrome.
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