Overview on Children’s Medical Condition: Colds and Flu
Parents are sometimes in a quandary on what it is that ails their child. They know the symptoms – runny nose, fever, coughing, sore throat, among many others; but, would not know whether it is cough or flu. Their symptoms are similar, since both are caused by viral infection, that normally last from one to two weeks.
Colds and flu symptoms are similar. The latter however, is more serious than colds. Colds are viral infections that afflict young children because they have not yet build up their immunity to the approximately two hundred (200) viruses that causes colds. Children are afflicted at the rate of ten (10) times per year or more than a normal adult. This is a result of their lack of immunity, but they get better as they become older.
Symptoms Of Colds and Flu
Colds occurs for about two weeks and the symptoms may include: runny nose, sniffing, fever, and sore throat. Flu, would basically have the same symptoms, but would include other more severe ailments like: loose vowel movement, chills, aches and pains in the body joints, headache, dry cough, irritability, extreme tiredness and lack of appetite.
Caring for the Sick Child
* If the child is stricken with either colds or flu, it is important that he should rest for sometime to help his body fight infection. Tips to help the child improve, follows:
* Keep him hydrated by drinking lots of water.
* The room should be airy and with normal room temperatures – not too cold nor too warm.
* Dress the child in light and comfortable clothes, and do vapor rubs and nasal saline sprays to help the child breathe.
* If the child has difficulty in breathing due to blocked nose, it would be advisable to raise his pillow to make breathing easier.
Medical Treatment for A Sick Child
Colds and flu can not be treated with antibiotics because they are not caused by bacteria, but by a virus. Some over the counter drugs however, can help ease the symptoms. It is wise to choose medications that are especially formulated for your child’s age. If you are not sure, it would be advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
* If your child is yet a baby or a toddler, paracetamol and ibuprofen suspensions especially formulated for babies and children, would help ease the pain and reduce the temperature.
* If the child is between three (3) months to six (6) years old, CALCOUGH Infant Syrup that contains glycerol, can help alleviate the symptoms of sticky cough. Other medications containing other active ingredients can be found in pharmaceutical outlets for children over six (6) years of age.
