It can be difficult watching your baby endure a cold or flu, especially since there is only so much you can do. Most children’s cold and cough cough medicines are not recommended for kids less than six years old. Although, there are several ways you can help relieve their symptoms and make them feel comfortable. Here are some preventative measures you can take to help your baby get through their cold or flu:

Bedtime

Most kids are restless when they are sick, but this is when they need sleep the most to give their bodies the rest required to fight off the virus. These are some ways to get your child to relax before bedtime:

  • Make sure your child is hydrated as feverish kids can get considerably dehydrated from sweating so much.
  • Kids tend to lose their appetite when they are sick, but their bodies still need nourishment to fight off the illness. Have your kids consume easily digestible food items such as crackers, rice, soup and bananas.
  • Use a humidifier to help relieve nasal congestion.

Preventing Colds and Flus

The best way to avoid viruses that cause colds and the flu is by limiting your contact with them. Follow these simple rules to help keep your family healthy:

  • Avoid coming in contact with sick people. That is easier said than done considering you likely have to leave the house to do errands or for work and if you have children who attend school or daycare. At the least, you can ask people who are sick not to visit your home.
  • Make sure everyone in your family washes their hands thoroughly. It is the most effective way to stop the spread of germs and prevent others from infecting yourself. Use warm, soapy water and briskly rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to wash between your fingers, the back of your hands and around your nails. Wash your hands often, especially after shaking hands with others who are sick, taking out the trash, petting animals, changing a diaper, and using the washroom. You should also wash them after coughing or sneezing, before eating or preparing a meal and before putting on your contact lenses.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth and teach your kids the same. Those are the most common ways for a virus to enter your body.
  • Remember to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing using your elbow or tissue rather than your hands.
  • When someone in your household is sick, have them use separate towels, drinking cups and utensils so stop their germs from spreading to others.

A child with a cold or flu is no fun to deal with, which is why you should practice these preventative measures at all times. If your child is sick though, stop by Vital RX Pharmacy in Brampton to get them relief.