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.

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5 Ways To Treat Viral Infection Symptoms This Season