When your child has the flu he may not feel like eating so don't force the issue, but if he wants something be sure it is healthy to give him the nutrients he needs to recover. Family Education reports that a healthy and balanced diet will help your child resist getting the flu in the first place by enhancing his immune system. A seasonal flu vaccine is important as well. If your child does come down with the flu, some foods are better than others while he is sick.
Mild Foods
Soup is an ideal food for a child with the flu because it increases her fluid intake and satisfies her appetite at the same time, reports Family Education. Chicken soup is a common illness remedy, but any soup your child likes will provide the same benefits. Serve the soup with plain toast or crackers because they contain carbohydrates to give her energy as she recovers and are mild on an upset stomach. Keep portions small at first to be sure the soup stays down and gradually increase the amount in her bowl as she gets better.
Easy to Swallow Foods
Pudding and other soft foods are a good choice when your child has a sore throat that often accompanies the flu because they are easy to swallow and don't worsen a painful throat. If your child has an appetite, pudding is easy and quick to prepare and will fill his tummy, giving him the strength he needs to fight the illness. If you feel the flu coming on in your house, stock up on easy to swallow foods like pudding. Other good choices include applesauce, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt and Popsicles, says Family Education.
Vitamin C Foods
According to Reader's Digest, vitamin C can reduce the severity and length of an illness. Incorporating foods high in vitamin C during flu season can prevent your child from getting the flu, but will also help him recover quickly if he does get it. Good choices include strawberries, oranges, potatoes, bell peppers and leafy green vegetables. If you can't get your child to eat this kind of food, talk to her pediatrician about a supplement that will help her meet her recommended totals and have her recovered in no time.
Fluids
Fluids are a necessary part of a sick child's diet because they help protect him from getting dehydrated when he vomits. Water and fruit juices are good fluids to offer, according to Family Education. Soup, fruit and Popsicles are foods that contain high amounts of fluid. Offering foods that hydrate is a good way to satisfy any appetite your child may have and increases nutrient intake that will help boost his immunity so that he feels better.
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