Flu season is at its peak from January through March each year. Children are at an especially high risk of catching this virus through the coughs and sneezes of other kids. If you notice symptoms such as a 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, nasal congestion, vomiting or diarrhea, it is important to start treating those symptoms at home.
Rest
Rest is one of the most important ways to help your child get through flu season. Minimize screen time, turn down the lights and provide your child with a few extra pillows. If you have other children at home, the child who is under the weather may get more rest in his or her bedroom. Your child may enjoy reading a book or doing quiet activities such as coloring or drawing between naps.
Hydration
When kids get the flu, they often lose their appetites. They may even experience some nausea and vomiting, even though the flu is primarily a respiratory illness. Focus on hydration for your child. Popsicles provide hydration and can help your child to feel more comfortable with a fever. A small amount of fruit juice or juice diluted with water may taste good to upset bellies. Warm tea with milk and honey or a squeeze of lemon and honey helps to soothe sore throats. Choose a caffeine-free, herbal tea such as chamomile that is known to calm upset bellies.
Seeking Medical Treatment
If you notice troublesome symptoms in your child such as wheezing, shortness of breath, a bluish color to the lips or nails or dark-colored urine, your child should be seen by a physician. Clinics like Premier Urgent Care Centers of California, Inc. offers urgent care for children with symptoms of the flu. Your child may be able to receive an anti-viral medication to shorten the duration of the illness. The doctors can also check your child’s breathing and prescribe any other necessary medications.
Pain Relief
If your child’s body aches and fever are making him or her feel miserable, your doctor may recommend the appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications lower fever symptoms. They can also get rid of the headache and body aches caused by the flu.
As a parent, seeing your child feeling sick is difficult. You can take these actions to help boost your child’s comfort so that he or she can get better faster. Medical care is also important for worsening or persistent flu symptoms.