As soon as winter arrives, children’s weak immune systems make them vulnerable to disease. Although flu viruses can arise at any time of the year, flu activity typically peaks around October. So how do you keep your child healthy?
You should be aware of the best practices for raising children, including how to maintain their health. A runny nose is typically the first sign of a common cold in kids, and this annoying symptom could linger for two weeks!
What triggers a common cold?
More than 200 distinct viruses have been found to cause colds. However, rhinoviruses are primarily responsible for colds. Small amounts of the virus may spread into the air when a sick person sneezes or coughs; if your child breathes that air in, the virus will cling to their nose. Direct contact suggests that your youngster has come into contact with a disease carrier. Children are more likely to spread the common cold than adults are.
Cold – a bad or good sign?
In some ways, getting sick as a child is just a part of growing up; in other circumstances, it can even be beneficial to support their immune system development. Some healthy habits can help youngsters develop a stronger immune system from an early age, enabling them to fight off harmful organisms more successfully and recover more quickly.
By continuously battling a variety of bacteria and viruses, children gradually prime their bodies’ immune systems.
Quick tips for treating kids with a cold
Here are seven methods for increasing a child’s immune system while suffering from the common cold.
1. Give plenty of fluids
Keep your child well-hydrated to decrease the effects of the cold and flu and to aid in their recovery. Fever can cause dehydration, although at times, they might not look as thirsty as they usually would. Still, dehydration can be a possibility. Dehydration is more likely to occur in infants under three months old with fever and cold. Contact your pediatrician straight away if you think your child may be dehydrated. Some signs might include:
- Dry lips, no tears when weeping
- Soft skin areas that are sunken-in
- Urinating less than three times in 24 hours
Consult your child’s doctor to determine whether an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, is necessary.
2. Unclog blocked nasal passageways
Little ones should not use medicated nasal sprays. Thankfully, there are many simple methods for getting rid of a stuffy nose without using medicine. In your child’s room, use a cool-mist humidifier. Another choice is to use saline nasal spray or drops, which facilitate the removal of thin mucus with a bulb syringe or by blowing it out. It is particularly beneficial before meals and bedtime.
3. Be current on immunizations
The prescribed childhood immunizations will help your child’s immune system stay boosted and prepared to fend off harmful infections. Through vaccinations, your child’s immunity is trained to detect specific bacteria and viruses they may come into contact with, preparing them to fight them off.
4. Humidifier
Install a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier in your kid’s bedroom. Doing this can make the liquid congealing in your child’s nose thinner and make breathing easier. The humidifier is beneficial in the common cold in children, but thoroughly clean and dry the humidifier every day to prevent the growth of germs or mold, which could make your child ill.
5. Take Extra Care
If something is irritating the throat or lungs, coughing is typical. Usually, it disappears on its own. It might be ok to leave it alone unless it is keeping your child up at night, they are having difficulties breathing, or it is genuinely troubling them. Give children older than one-year-old a spoonful of honey for the cough but don’t forget to consult your doctor if you believe your child requires cough medicine.
6. Wheezing and sniffling
Determine the best way to make your child feel better by paying attention to their breathing. Sneezing indicates a cold or the flu. Moreover, wheezing makes a whistling sound that might signify a chest cold or asthma. Call your doctor as soon as you detect wheezing, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in speaking, or highly rapid breathing.
7. Enough Sleep
Your child may recover more quickly with more sleep; they may be overheating from a fever with the common cold. Avoid covering them in bulky blankets or wearing too many layers, making them feel hotter. They can also relax and chill off in a lukewarm bath before a nap or bed at night.
Lack of sleep can increase a child’s susceptibility to diseases by lowering natural killer cells and immune system defenses against microorganisms. Daycare children are especially vulnerable to sleep deprivation because of how challenging it can be for them to take naps due to the common cold.
Consult an expert Pediatrician
Along with having the flu vaccination, maintaining good cleanliness, and forming healthy behaviors can help your body fight off the virus. If your kids are experiencing flu symptoms, Valley Pediatrics is your quick route to care. Check out our website or contact us for tips on lowering your risk of the flu and preventing the transmission of bacteria and the flu virus. Consult with professional doctors at Valley Pediatrics about the best medications and treatment for your child.
