When temperatures start getting colder and kids are inside and interacting with each other in greater numbers, cold and flu season inevitably follows. We all know that cold and flu season is around the corner, but that doesn’t make it easier when you see your little one struggling with cough and a stuffy nose. Children under the age of 5, and particularly under the age of 2, are at especially at high risk during cold and flu season.
Since colds and flus are viral infections, antibiotics are not helpful when it comes to fighting an infection. However, there are practices one can adopt to help their child feel better while their immune system battles the virus.
PLENTY OF FLUIDS
Keep your child hydrated to help reduce cold and flu symptoms and make them feel better. Fevers can result in dehydration. Your child may not feel as thirsty as they normally would, and they may be uncomfortable when drinking, so it’s important to encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.
Dehydration can be very serious in babies, especially if they’re under 3 months old. Call your pediatrician if you suspect your baby is dehydrated. If your child is breastfed, attempt to breastfeed them more frequently than usual. Your baby may be less interested in breastfeeding if they’re sick. You may have to have several short feeding sessions in order for them to consume enough fluid. Ask your little one’s doctor if an oral rehydration solution (like Pedialyte) is appropriate. Remember, you shouldn’t give little ones sports drinks.
CLEAR UP STUFFED NASAL PASSAGES
Medicated nasal sprays aren’t recommended for young children. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to clear up a stuffy nose without medication. Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. This will help break up mucus. Be sure to carefully clean the humidifier between uses to keep mold from developing in the machine.
Another option is using a saline nasal spray or drops, which makes thin mucus easier to blow out or remove with a bulb syringe. This is especially helpful before feeding and bedtime.
If your child is over 1 years old, try giving honey for a cough instead of medication. You can give 2 to 5 milliliters (ml) of honey a few times during the day. According to studies, honey is safer and likely more effective than cough medicines for children who are over 1 year of age. You shouldn’t give honey to children younger than a year old due to the risk of botulism.
ADEQUATE REST
Extra rest can help your child recover faster. Your child may be very hot due to fever. Dress them comfortably and avoid heavy blankets or excessive layers that could make them feel hotter. A lukewarm bath can also help them cool off and wind down before taking a nap or going to sleep for the night. Remember that a fever is the body’s way of fighting off an infection. When your child has a low-grade fever, this doesn’t always need to be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
SEE YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
Sometimes even the best at-home care isn’t enough to help your little one make a full recovery. Call your doctor right away if your child has: fever greater than 101°F (38°C) for more than two days, or a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher for any amount of time, seems unusually drowsy or lethargic, nor eating or drinking and is wheezing or is short of breath.
SURVIVING COLD AND FLU SEASON
After your child recovers from a cold or flu, it’s time to go into prevention mode. Wash all surfaces they came into contact with before or during their sickness. Encourage your children and your other family members to wash their hands regularly to keep future germs at bay. Teach your child not to share food, drinks, or utensils when they eat to avoid spreading germs between them and their friends. Keep your child out of daycare or school when they’re ill, especially when they have a fever. The good news about cold and flu season is that it does come and go. Showing your child some loving care and taking steps to put them on the mend can help you make it through cold and flu season.
The author is Senior Consultant and Pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital.