Are you aware that over 100 different viruses cause colds? On average, children catch colds and the flu more often than adults. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, and viruses do not respond to treatment with antibiotics. During cold and flu season, many parents struggle to keep their children comfortable. And although colds and the flu have to run their course, there are treatments that parents can use to help ease discomfort in their children.
Cold symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
· Runny nose
· Coughing
· Sneezing
· Nasal congestion
· Sore throat
· Fever (under 102 degrees F)
Flu symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
· Headache
· Chills
· Body aches
· Fatigue
· Cough
· Fever (over 102 degrees F)
· Possible runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat
Severity of the symptoms varies and lasts approximately one week, but may linger for two weeks. Flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. If symptoms are severe, contact your pediatrician. Although there are no cures for colds and the flu, you can relieve your child’s symptoms by taking the following measures:
· Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest and avoids over-exertion. If symptoms are severe, bed rest is recommended.
· Encourage your child to drink plenty of clear fluids, such as juices, water, bouillon, popsicles, and electrolyte maintenance solutions if not eating.
· Maintain a well-balanced diet to help your child’s immune system rid itself of the virus.
· Dress your child comfortably, but avoid overdressing or using heavy blankets if a fever is present so that the body can cool itself.
· Increase air humidity in the child’s room. A cool mist can help moisten the air and relieve your child’s cough and congestion. Be sure to keep the humidifier to clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
· If your child has a fever, a lukewarm bath can relieve the symptoms. Be sure to watch your child closely when s/he’s in the bathtub.
· Clear your child’s stuffy nose. If your child is too young to be able to blow his or her nose, s/he needs you to help relieve her nasal congestion. Start by putting a few saline nasal drops into each nostril. Then, after waiting a minute, remove the loosened mucus using a soft, rubber suction bulb. Repeating these steps before meals and bedtime can help make her more comfortable while eating and sleeping.
· Purchase an over-the-counter child cold medication for children over 2 years old. For children younger than 2 years old, contact your pediatrician. Make sure that you know your child’s weight so that you can determine the correct dose based on your child’s weight and age. Always read and comply with the directions on the package, and be sure to follow any special directions that your physician has given to you.
PREVENTION TIPS FOR COLDS AND FLU
1. Teach your child to cover his/her mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
2. Make sure your child washes his/her hands frequently throughout the day when they have a cough or cold.
3. When your child has a cold, remind him/her to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
4. Teach your child to throw away the tissue right after it has been used.
5. If possible remind your child not to stand too close to another child with a cold.
HOW ILL IS TOO ILL TO COME TO CARE?
(Taken from Family Day Care: A Caregiver’s Guide by Lee Dunster)
A child is likely too ill to come to care if they have:
· A temperature of 101 F or over
· Vomited that morning OR the night before
· Diarrhea (green or yellow watery stool) that cannot be contained in a diaper.
· A rash that has not yet been diagnosed as not being contagious
· Conjunctivitis (pink eye or any other eye condition where they eye is itchy, red, swollen or oozing)
· Impetigo, ringworm or pinworm
· A severe cold with fever, runny nose, sneezing or bad cough
· Any contagious disease.
Dr. Donna Harold and Dr. Anne McCarthy, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics physicians with mmpc, can answer any questions you may have about how to keep your children comfortable when a cold or the flu strikes. Call our Internal Medicine & Pediatrics office at 616-464-2888 for more information, or visit us on the web at www.mmpc.com
1. Teach your child to cover his/her mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 2. Make sure your child washes his/her hands frequently throughout the day when they have a cough or cold. 3. When your child has a cold, remind him/her to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. 4. Teach your child to throw away the tissue right after it has been used. 5. If possible remind your child not to stand too close to another child with a cold. A child is likely too ill to come to care if they have: · A temperature of 101 F or over · Vomited that morning OR the night before · Diarrhea (green or yellow watery stool) that cannot be contained in a diaper. · A rash that has not yet been diagnosed as being contagious · Conjunctivitis (pink eye or any other eye condition where they eye is itchy, red, swollen or oozing) · Impetigo, ringworm or pinworm · A severe cold with fever, runny nose, sneezing or bad cough · Any contagious disease. Dr. Donna Harold and Dr. Anne McCarthy, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics physicians with mmpc, can answer any questions you may have about how to keep your children comfortable when a cold or the flu strikes. Call our Internal Medicine & Pediatrics office at 616-464-2888 for more information, or visit us on the web at .
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Web MD
ParentsConnect.com
About mmpc
Michigan Medical, P.C. is the largest physician owned, multi-specialty group in Michigan. Currently, mmpc has over 300 health care providers in 30 locations across West Michigan in more than 30 specialties. By putting patients first, mmpc is committed to offering the highest standard of healthcare for you and your family. We walk our talk when it comes to valuing our patients by providing excellent medical care in our professional, welcoming facilities across West Michigan. Comprehensive, confidential care, exceptional physicians, and patient satisfaction are hallmarks of mmpc's success. To learn more about mmpc and the services we provide, please visit the web site, at www.mmpc.com.
1. Teach your child to cover his/her mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 2. Make sure your child washes his/her hands frequently throughout the day when they have a cough or cold. 3. When your child has a cold, remind him/her to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. 4. Teach your child to throw away the tissue right after it has been used. 5. If possible remind your child not to stand too close to another child with a cold. A child is likely too ill to come to care if they have: · A temperature of 101 F or over · Vomited that morning OR the night before · Diarrhea (green or yellow watery stool) that cannot be contained in a diaper. · A rash that has not yet been diagnosed as being contagious · Conjunctivitis (pink eye or any other eye condition where they eye is itchy, red, swollen or oozing) · Impetigo, ringworm or pinworm · A severe cold with fever, runny nose, sneezing or bad cough · Any contagious disease. Dr. Donna Harold and Dr. Anne McCarthy, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics physicians with mmpc, can answer any questions you may have about how to keep your children comfortable when a cold or the flu strikes. Call our Internal Medicine & Pediatrics office at 616-464-2888 for more information, or visit us on the web at . Sources:Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWeb MDParentsConnect.com1. Teach your child to cover his/her mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 2. Make sure your child washes his/her hands frequently throughout the day when they have a cough or cold. 3. When your child has a cold, remind him/her to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. 4. Teach your child to throw away the tissue right after it has been used. 5. If possible remind your child not to stand too close to another child with a cold. A child is likely too ill to come to care if they have: · A temperature of 101 F or over · Vomited that morning OR the night before · Diarrhea (green or yellow watery stool) that cannot be contained in a diaper. · A rash that has not yet been diagnosed as being contagious · Conjunctivitis (pink eye or any other eye condition where they eye is itchy, red, swollen or oozing) · Impetigo, ringworm or pinworm · A severe cold with fever, runny nose, sneezing or bad cough · Any contagious disease. Dr. Donna Harold and Dr. Anne McCarthy, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics physicians with mmpc, can answer any questions you may have about how to keep your children comfortable when a cold or the flu strikes. Call our Internal Medicine & Pediatrics office at 616-464-2888 for more information, or visit us on the web at . Sources:Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWeb MDParentsConnect.com
