I just hate it when my kids get sick. I feel so bad for their little watering eyes and hot foreheads. Like most moms, I immediately spring into action trying to make my kids feel better. I arm myself with Tylenol and a few home remedies on a quest to smash the flu bug.
Symptoms of Flu in Children
- a high-grade fever up to 104 degrees F
- chills and shakes with the fever
- extreme tiredness
- headache and body aches
- dry, hacking cough
- sore throat
- vomiting and belly pain
Treatment of the Flu in Children
First you need to know that antibiotics are ineffective against the flu. The flu is viral and therefore no need to for antibiotics. I knew a woman who would get antibiotics for her kids almost any time they were sick. I always wondered how her pediatrician kept his medical licence.
Rest and fluids. Yes, the same thing your mother did for you will work for your child. Rest and fluids are among the most important treatments for the flu. Medications can be dangerous so please consult your doctor before giving a preschooler cold medicine. However, Tylenol and Motrin are options for body aches and fever.
When to Head to the ER
- If you child has difficulty breathing and does not improve with proper measures such as nasal suctioning or a humidifier T
- Your child’s skin color appears bluish or gray
- If your child is acting unusual for having the flu or cold. If the child is disoriented, lethargic, or listless. If your child cannot maintain eye contact and does not respond normally.
- The child is not drinking fluids well or is showing signs of dehydration.
- If your child has a seizure.
Mom, don’t neglect your gut instinct. If you have that feeling that something is not quite right then seek medical attention. Better off taking your child to the doctor and find there is nothing wrong than not take your child and find out something is wrong. Once, I took my child to the doctor after she was sick for just a few days, and she had pneumonia.