No one likes to get the flu. But the flu can be particularly hard on children, especially young children who may not understand that their symptoms are temporary. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your child more comfortable until she starts to feel better on her own.
Create a Sick Room
Step 1
Designate one room, usually the child's own bedroom, as a sick room. Close the blinds or curtains so the room is not excessively bright. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you should keep the room at 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove throw pillows and stuffed animals (except favorites) from the bed and make sure an older child has an unobstructed path to the bathroom.
Step 2
Keep fluids at the bedside to encourage drinking. Clear fluids such as water, diluted juice and sports drinks are good choices. Use squeeze bottles or sippy cups to prevent spills and make drinking fun. Monitor fluid intake and urine output since, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dehydration develops quickly in children with the flu.
Step 3
Remind the rest of the household to be quiet. A sick child won't rest if she is frequently interrupted.
Treat Fever
Step 1
Treating fever can make your child more comfortable and promote rest, according to the CDC. Treat a fever without medicine by placing a cool, damp washcloth on the child's forehead, arms or body.
Step 2
If the child feels well enough, offer a tepid bath.
Step 3
If the child is still uncomfortable, try over-the-counter medication. Good choices, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, include medications that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These products do double duty as pain relievers for the headache and sore muscles that also accompany flu. Steer clear of products that contain aspirin (salicylates) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Be sure to give the recommended dose for your child's age and weight. Never leave any medicine within reach of an unsupervised child.
Treat Cough
Step 1
Set up a humidifier in the sick room. According to the CDC, flu is associated with a dry cough that is often painful and interferes with rest. A humidifier can help moisturize the airways and make it easier to breathe.
Step 2
Offer something to suck on. Popsicles and ice chips can help promote hydration and alleviate a sore throat while also soothing a cough. Lozenges or hard candies can also help, but these should be offered only to older children due to the risk of choking.
Step 3
Consider over-the-counter cough medicine. However, the CDC cautions that these should never be used in children younger than 4. Good choices include medications labeled "antitussives" or "cough suppressants," not "expectorants." If you are unsure, consult your pharmacist.
Things You'll Need
- Clear liquids
- Sippy cup or bottle
- Washcloth
- Humidifier
- Over-the-counter fever and pain reliever
- Ice chips
- Popsicles
- Lozenges or hard candies
- Over-the-counter cough medicine
