Cold & Flu Home-Care Checklist
By: Christine M. Porretta
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As families look forward to the holiday fun that the end of the year brings, they also dread the cold and flu season that begins around the same time, too. But don't let colds or other bugs (from H1N1 to typical respiratory infections) put a damper on your days. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about prevention and treatment, and use this checklist as a survival guide for what to keep on hand to help alleviate symptoms if a sick day does strike.
Saline nasal wash to moisten nasal passages, so kids can easily blow their nose.
Chicken soup (may help maintain hydration and can help reduce congestion).
Cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer.
Herbal tea, such as chamomile (the hot liquid will help soothe a sore or irritated throat and help relieve congestion).
Eucalyptus oil. As a decongestant, rub a tablespoon or small handful of massage oil mixed with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil on your child’s chest, suggests Lawrence Rosen, MD, a pediatrician who specializes in integrative medicine, and a member of the Kaboose.com medical review board. Or put five drops of the eucalyptus oil into a bowl of warm water for a fragrant and soothing aromatherapy experience.
Vapor rub (follow the product instructions for safe usage).
Tissues -- teach kids to blow, blow, blow, but also show them how to throw, throw, throw away dirty tissues into a waste basket, and remind them to thoroughly wash their hands afterward.
Suction bulb for young children who can’t blow easily.
Honey to help relieve cough (1/2 teaspoon for children ages 2 to 5; 1 teaspoon for children ages 6 to 11; and 2 teaspoons for children ages 12 to 18). Note: Don't give honey to kids younger than age 1.
Fever reducers for children, such as ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). If a child has a low fever and is comfortable, a fever reducer isn’t needed, but if a child is uncomfortable and is running a fever, speak to his or her doctor about using one.
Vitamin-C rich foods, such as oranges, broccoli, and sweet red peppers. While the vitamin C research for whether it can prevent cold or flu or shorten symptoms has been inconsistent, vitamin C is a cell-protecting antioxidant and an immune booster, so as part of good nutrition, feed your kids these foods as part of a balanced diet.
Hand-Hygiene Tips!
To help prevent the spread of germs when soap and water aren’t available for hand washing, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, or try this DIY hand sanitizer made from natural ingredients that Dr. Rosen suggests:
- Mix one to two drops of these four essential oils (cinnamon bark, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus) with five drops of lemon, grapefruit, or orange oil.
- Add to a small dispenser bottle filled with filtered water and one teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
