A child's fever and cough is worrisome to parents. Most of the time, it's caused by a virus. It's important, however, to know when it's time to get medical attention. There are also a few steps you can take to reduce a fever and make your child more comfortable -- like moistening the air and giving a honey mixture.
Honey
Honey is an effective cough suppressant for children, reports MayoClinic.com, but never give honey to a child age 1 or less. It puts your infant at risk for botulism, a type of food positioning. For older children, mix 2 tsp. of honey with lemon water. Giving this before bedtime will help your child sleep. Repeat as necessary to ease your child's cough.
Cool-Mist Humidifier
Dry air irritates your child's throat, making a cough worse, so make the air moist with a cool-mist humidifier. Read the humidifier instructions and use as directed. Usually you'll need to change humidifier water daily to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Never place a humidifier close to bedding or clothing to prevent mold growth in your child's room.
Medications
It's tempting to administer fever reducers when your child is sick, but talk with your doctor first. Fever reducers aren't usually recommended for a low-grade fever; giving these medications to a child with a low-grade fever might even prolong the illness. If your child has a temperature over 102, your doctor might recommend a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen.
Also, cough medication is not recommended for children under the age of 2. Always consult your doctor before giving your child any medication.
Red Flags
If your child has a fever higher than 102 degrees and a cough, consult a doctor. For babies, it's time to contact the doctor if her temperature reaches 101 degrees. Also, if your child is having trouble breathing or coughing hard enough to vomit, seek medical attention. When in doubt, contact your child's pediatrician. He can help you determine if your child requires medical attention.
