Your child gets sick with a viral infection, such as cold, flu or one of the many respiratory viruses, you can do several things to ease her symptoms and prevent serious complications. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:
- High fever
- Headache
- Tiredness/weakness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body or muscle aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting also can occur, but are more common in children.
Tips on caring for your sick child
- During an illness, check again to see that your child’s room is comfortable and cheerful. Light should not be too bright or too dim.
- As calmly as possible, assess the nature of your child’s illness. Is it respiratory, intestinal, of sudden onset; is there fever, a rash, localized pain such as a headache, stomachache or earache? By making such a mental survey, care can be more easily and effectively given.
- A favorite toy should be close at hand, and if your child is old enough, a bell at the bedside to ring if he needs you.
- Play her favorite music.
- Allow her to remain in her own bed.
- If it is necessary to stay with her, place a mattress on the floor where you may sleep. Allowing a child to sleep in bed with you when ill often leads to a habit that can be harder to break later on.
- Make sure liquids are readily available.
- If she is vomiting, small amounts of liquid given very frequently will help avoid dehydration.
- Cover with a light blanket and use comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
- Do not overdress.
- Learn how to use a thermometer.
- Keep all medicines stored properly. Refrigerate those that require it.
- Protect other children in the home with hand washing, avoid letting them play with the sick child and keep medicines away from them!
- Make sure that the phone numbers of your child’s doctor, hospital and neighbor or close friend are readily available.
- Caring for a sick child is much easier to do when proper preparations have already been made.
Signs that your baby may be sick include:
- Baby's skin is hot, sweating a lot, or has a rash
- A temperature of more than 37.5 degrees Celsius
- Unusual drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing.
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