11/10/2022
Some helpful information on managing children at home with cold- and flu-like symptoms, from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Here are the take-home messages...
Fever: Treat fever or pain with over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child can take it — and if it is available.
Red eyes and discharge: These symptoms almost always go away on their own, without antibiotic drops or other medication. Warm compresses and artificial tears can help reduce discomfort.
Stuffy and runny nose: Try saline rinsing sprays, a humidifier or a nasal aspirator.
Earache: If you notice your child tugging on their ear, they may have an earache. Get assessed if your child’s earache lasts more than 48-72 hours, if there is discharge from the ear or they have had more than 2-3 ear infections in the last year.
Cough: Treat a cough with a humidifier or the steam from a shower. If the cough sounds like a bark, cool outside air may help. If your child is at least one year old, you can give them 1-2 teaspoons of honey in the evening.
Fluids: Make sure your child gets enough fluids, including water, soups, sports drinks or even popsicles. Breastmilk/formula is enough for young babies who do not drink other fluids.
Call your family doctor if your child:
• Has a fever lasting 72 hours or longer.
• Has a fever that went away for a day or longer (without fever medication) and then came back.
• Is unusually irritable and won’t stop fussing, even after treating their fever.
• Has an earache lasting more than 48 hours.
• Is not eating or drinking. Note that it’s normal to eat and drink less when sick. Liquids are more important than food.
• Has special needs that make caring for them more difficult.
