Written By: Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dina is a wife, mother of 4, and adrenaline junky. She loves to share children’s health information from her professional and personal experience. More About Dr Dina.

Read my latest newsletter →

5 Ways To Treat Viral Infection Symptoms This Season

Infectious Diseases

5 Ways To Treat Viral Infection Symptoms This Season

When my now ‘big-kid’ Dylan started school this past September, I wasn’t worried about him making friends, liking his teacher, or succeeding academically.  What I worried about most were the things he’d be exposed to daily— those pesky germs that prevent our kids from doing the things they love.

Viral season is here and will be around for a few more months and unfortunately, school-age children are always in close contact with one another, so they’re bound pass the ‘virus-de-jour’ back and forth like a game of hot potato.

Once your kid does pick up that inevitable virus, how can you treat the symptoms at home and keep your child comfortable?

1. Water and rest and more water and rest

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. This is a common piece of advice that seems simple, but it really does help. If your child has vomiting or diarrhea, it is especially important that they are drinking adequately to maintain hydration. Frequent sips of small amounts of fluid can work wonders. Try using a “crazy-straw” to entice reluctant sippers.

2. Keep tabs on your child’s temperature

If your child does have a fever, Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can help with alleviating the fever and with aches and pains associated with the cold or flu.

For children who have a fever and are less that 2 months of age, fever can signal a serious bacterial infection—see your doctor ASAP.

3. Nasal drops and suction: Get the guck out

Saline drops or spray and suctions can work very well to clear the nose of mucous so your child can breathe easier. My preference is to use a nasal aspirator that works through parent’s suction.

4. A humidifier is your new best friend

Decongestion is made simple and natural by using a humidifier and some eucalyptus to help your child breathe more easily. Keep the eucalyptus oil out of your kids’ reach as it can be toxic if ingested. Same with Vapour Rub.

5. Honey, honey

Honey can aid in cold recovery in children over the age of one year. On a spoon, in warm water, milk or tea, honey has great, natural antiviral and antibacterial properties to help fight infection. I think it’s the best medicine for sore throat. Read more about medicine for sore throat.

Read more here about Smart Ways to Treat Your Cold.

Written By: Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dina is a wife, mother of 4, and adrenaline junky. She loves to share children’s health information from her professional and personal experience. More About Dr Dina.

You might also enjoy

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection in Kids

Urinary tract infections are prevalent in kids — especially if you have an infant in diapers or an older child that holds in their urine for more extended periods (like in the classroom or during extracurricular activities). This is especially true for a constipated toddler who is less able to communicate the issue.

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Causes of Sore Throat in Kids Including Viral Pharyngitis and Strep Throat

Is your kid not eating and drinking? What can be the possible reason? Perhaps your child has a sore throat, viral pharyngitis, or strep throat. Sore throat is medically known as “pharyngitis. This is the inflammation of the pharynx. Usually, we see viral pharyngitis or sore throat caused by viral infections. Other times we see pharyngitis as a result of a bacterial infection like strep throat.

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu Treatment in Kids – What to Know and Do

Stomach Flu in children – or viral gastroenteritis – can be unsettling and something that all parents dread. However, it generally just requires hydration to best combat the illness. If your child is not eating, it can be ok as long as they are drinking plenty of fluids.

Dr. Dina Kulik - Subscribe to my Blog
Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

COVID Toolbox

Success! Check Your Inbox

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health blog

.

Success! Thanks for Subscribing!

Dr Dina Kulik - Kids Health - Constipation Management

Success! Check Your Inbox