With a nasty strain of flu doing the rounds this winter, it seems like a good time to tackle the issue of flu, more specifically what to do when your child comes down with the illness.
It can be really distressing to see your child feeling miserable, struggling to even get out of bed and struggling with the pain and discomfort that a particularly bad dose of the flu can cause, but there are things you can do to help them, and by caring for them, you’ll ensure that you both feel a whole lot better.
So, without further ado, here are some tips to help you care for your child when he or she has the flu:
Determine if They’re at Risk
Some people are at more serious risk from the flu. Children under the age of five and individuals with various health issues, such as asthma, for example, could develop mor4e serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. It’s important to determine whether your child is at risk so that you can watch them more closely and obtain medication from the doctor if necessary.
If you’re unsure whether your child is at risk, or you’re really worried about them, but you don’t want to take them to the doctor’s unnecessarily, consider using an Online Dr App for a professional opinion. Of course, if your child appears to be seriously ill in the moment, you should seek medical attention immediately, but otherwise, dragging them out probably won’t do them much good.
Give Them Plenty of Fluids
If your child has a fever, you’ll need to ensure that they keep their fluid intake up. If they don’t want to drink so much water, then try to give them an ice lolly, fruit smoothie, or even just soft fruits, such as melons which have a high water content.
Let Them Get Plenty of Rest
The flu can really wipe you out, which is why it is so important that you make your child rest plenty when they’re suffering. The last thing you want is for them to try and do too much and end up fainting and hitting their head! Having them rest is also a good way to ‘quarantine’ them away from the rest of the family so that you’re all less likely to go down with the same thing.
To ensure that they stay put in bed, bring in the TV, furnish them with plenty of books, magazines and activities, a tablet, or whatever else it is they love to do so that they won’t get too bored.
Give Them Medicine
Although there is no cure for the flu, giving your child approved cold, cough and flu medicines, like Calpol, may help to relieve some of the symptoms, so that they are a little more comfortable. Just make sure that any medication you give is safe for your child and that you follow the dosage instructions to the letter.
Clothe Them in Layers
When you have the flu, one minute you can be freezing, the next you’ll be burning up. So, if you dress your child in layers, it’ll be much easier to keep them comfortable no matter what they feel like at any given moment.
I hope no one in your household gets the flu, but if they do, at least you’ll know how to make them a bit more comfortable.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaborative post.
