Baby & Toddler / 9 October, 2023 / Christina Walter

Treating Colds And Flu In Babies, Toddlers & Children

As temperatures gradually drop and children gather indoors and interact in larger groups, the onset of the cold and flu season becomes inevitable. There are a few things you need to know when it comes to treating kids with cold or flu.

Treating kids with cold or flu

Although you might be aware that the cold and flu season is approaching, it doesn’t lessen the difficulty of witnessing your young one grappling with a cough and congested nose. Among those vulnerable during this season, children below 5 years old, especially those under 2, face a heightened risk.

Cold and flu are both caused by viral infections, rendering antibiotics ineffective in resolving the infection. Nevertheless, there are measures you can adopt to provide relief to your child as their immune system combats the virus.

Here are a few tips you might now know from the NHS:

• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
• Most colds get better in 5 to 7 days but can take up to 2 weeks in small children.
• Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them.
• If your child has a high temperature, pain or discomfort, children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Children with asthma may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet.
• Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.
• Children under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist.
• Most sore throats get better on their own after a few days.
• If your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey. To make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey and drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children).

If your child has had a cough that’s lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP.

Humidifiers for kids

Pain Relief

Bulb suction

Saline Nose Drops

Decongestants

Thermometers

Occasionally, even the most diligent home care might fall short in aiding your young one’s complete recuperation. It’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately if your child:

• Has a 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
• Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and is under 3 months old
• Has a fever that doesn’t get better after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Seems unusually drowsy or lethargic
• Won’t eat or drink
• Is wheezing or is short of breath

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