Coping with Cold and Flu Season
Everyone seems to either have a cough, sore throat or runny nose these days. The cold and flu season that hits when the cold weather starts can seem to last forever. And that is especially true when children start coughing and sniffling!
To help keep sickness to a minimum and to take care if it strikes your household, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Take preventative measures. In addition to washing hands frequently and “hugging a cough or sneeze” (coughing/sneezing into one’s elbow), experts recommend getting a yearly flu vaccine for everyone above six-months old.
Hydrate. Keeping the child well-hydrated is important, as a fever can lead to dehydration.
Rest. While getting a child to rest easy can be challenging, providing a calm, soothing environment can help your little one recover. Try using a cool- mist humidifier if the child has respiratory illness symptoms.
Give medicine as recommended. Providing acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and pains can help a child get through some of the discomfort of being sick. Please be sure to follow the directions indicated by your doctor.
