Managing body aches, chills, fevers, dry coughs, and dehydration can feel like a full-time job to parents who are caring for children with the flu. But it's important for moms and dads to tend to their little ones properly when they are battling influenza.
Plenty of Liquids Keep Children Properly Hydrated
When kids have the flu, they need to be offered plenty of clear liquids to keep them from getting dehydrated. Hydrating liquids can include apple juice, water, popsicles, ice chips (be careful about giving ice chips to young children), and broths.
Get Necessary Nutrients by Juicing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Battling the symptoms of influenza can exhaust kids physically -- and because they won’t feel much like eating, they can become weak. Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables can help children get some of the vital nutrients they need to maintain their strength, and recuperate from the flu.
Allow Children Plenty of Time to Rest
It's important to help children conserve their energy when they have influenza by encouraging them to rest. Provide kids with puzzles, reading material, games, crafts, and a stash of their favorite movies to prevent them from engaging in high energy activities that drain them.
Manage Kids' Fevers and Body Aches with Over the Counter Medicines
When kids have the flu, fevers come with the territory -- but if they get too high, they can become dangerous. Children can be given ibuprofen (Children‘s Motrin), or acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) to help manage their fevers. Check with your child’s pediatrician before administering these over the counter medications, especially if he is taking prescription drugs or any other medicines that may cause adverse reactions.
Over the counter ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can also relieve the discomfort of body aches that accompany the flu. Over medicating children can have dire consequences -- so use a medicine dropper or an oral medication dispenser, and follow dosing instructions accurately.
Take Measures to Prevent Spreading the Flu to Other Household Members
When there is a child in the house with the flu, proper precautions need to be taken to reduce the risk of other family members contracting the virus. Frequent hand washing, keeping others away from sick kids, wiping down toys, and immediately throwing away used tissues can all prevent the spread of the flu.
Caring for a child with influenza is no walk in the park -- but following these tips will help relieve some of his symptoms and make him more comfortable while the flu virus runs its course.
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