It’s that time of year again…and this year it seems to be hitting more people pretty hard. The good news is that many of the cold and flu symptoms are treated in the same way -- through comfort measures done at home. Here are a few tips from our resident RN:
1. Don’t panic over a fever. Our body’s temperature rises to fight off infection, and fever itself is not necessarily bad. Carefully monitor your child’s fever. Only treat the fever to the point of increasing comfort for your child. Give Tylenol or Motrin (per doctor’s orders or on the medication labels), let your child soak in a lukewarm bath, and dress them in light clothing. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a high fever (103 or higher), is listless, or cannot be roused from sleep.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. Let children drink whatever fluids appeal to them. Water is best, but if they will drink watered down juice or milk that helps too. It is a myth that drinking milk will increase congestion. If it’s what your child will drink, it should be encouraged. Dehydration is one of the most common complications from flu in children, so encouraging fluids of any kind (popsicles, juices, milk, water, etc.) can help keep your child from getting worse.
3. Encourage rest. Your child will dictate how much activity they can tolerate when sick. Let them rest when they want to rest. If your child is having trouble sleeping, using a cool-mist humidifier in their room can help. Also, a warm bath before bed can give some comforting relief to the body aches.
4. Nutrition. Kids usually don’t have big appetites when they are sick, but try to encourage light, easy-to-digest foods such as broths and soups.
5. Wash hands often and throw used tissues away immediately after use. Keep your children home from school if they are sick. Children can’t learn and be effective when they don’t feel well.
Remember that as your child’s body is fighting off illness, they are also building antibodies to an illness that may come their way again. It is inconvenient and uncomfortable for the week or so that the cold or flu lingers, but by keeping your child comfortable, rested, and well hydrated, the illness will pass and they will be back on track in no time!
**This is not intended as medical advice. They are merely suggestions for home care for common colds and flu. Always contact your child’s physician when you have questions or concerns about their health.**
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2 comments:
Nice timely advise on kids getting sick...what to be most concerned about and the importance of keeping them hydrated. Keeping Popsicles on hand might also help if it appeals to them during the illness.
I never knew when I should keep my kids home from school and for how long but my pediatrician advised me the last time that I was there that if a child has a fever, keep them home, and then they can go back to school after the child has been fever-free for 24 hours. I was glad to learn that so now I know!
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