Cold and flu season is around the corner. During the flu (or so-called influenza) season children get sick very often if their immune system isn’t straightened enough to fight for viruses. The risky groups of colds and flues are children, especially under 5 years.
The more common explanation of Influenza is that it’s a viral infection of the respiratory tract that can make someone feel pretty sick for more than a week. The incubation period of influenza begins about one day before a symptom appears up to seven days after the symptom resolves. It mainly depends on the treatment and immunity.
Kids’ common symptoms are runny nose, sore throat, body aches, a fever with a cold, high temperature, headache, etc. They are more expected to have vomiting and diarrhea with the flu.
Viral infections have medical treatment. Consider contacting your family’s primary care doctor to get immediate and effective solutions.
However, there are some simple steps you have to take to help your child feel better as soon as possible.
Plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration
Give your kid plenty of caffeine-free fluids such as water, juice, ice pops, or oral electrolyte solution. Sometimes the child is more likely to get dehydrated when he/she is sick than the adult is. Besides, appetite loss, vomiting, high fever, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
It’s a must to keep your child’s body adequately hydrated so that it can function properly. An adult’s dehydration symptoms differ from a child’s symptoms.
Dehydration symptoms for babies are:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Few or no tears when crying
- Sunken eyes and cheeks
- The soft spot on the head
- Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability
- Listlessness or irritability, etc.
Give your child a rest
More than ever your little patient needs rest and at least 8-10 hours of sleep. When a cold or the flu strikes, encourage your child to rest in bed to feel better faster. If you have trouble convincing your baby to stay in bed, organize a quiet game to play, watch a favorite cartoon or movie, read a book, listen to relaxing music, or draw together.
The school-aged kid who is sick should stay home from school and get at least 10 hours of sleep. Your childcare should prolong until he/she is fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. During sick days encourage your child to keep up with school and stay in touch with friends as much as possible.
Boost the child’s immune system to battle the virus.
Kid with weakened immune systems can remain contagious for up to 10 days or more.
The bottom line is eating healthy. Micronutrients essential to fight infection include vitamins like A, C, D, E, and minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium. To boost the immune system, your child needs to eat more fruits and vegetables.
To prevent infection and viruses, make sure he/she gets lots of sunshine and exercise to keep the immune system primed and ready to fight.
A healthy diet gives proper nutrition to a child’s organs and tissues, makes them work effectively, reduces the risk of disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance.
As a front-line health provider and caregiver, you play an important role in your child’s health recovery journey. If you have trouble and any questions about vaccination, medical treatment, or prescription, feel free to contact us!
