Cold and flu in newborn baby

Cold and flu are the common names for overlapping syndromes of respiratory infection caused by a number of viruses. According to Family Doctor, the two are mainly differentiated by onset and severity: Flu symptoms usually onset abruptly and are more severe. Cold symptoms onset over several days and are typically milder. Cold and flu symptoms may appear differently in newborns than in older infants and children. Systemic symptoms of colds and the flu, according to Family Doctor, include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headache. Rectal temperature between 100.4 and 102 degrees F is characteristic of a cold. Higher temperatures usually indicate flu. A newborn cannot tell you that he is experiencing fatigue, muscle aches or a headache. Therefore, a caregiver must be attuned to other signs, such as lethargy, irritability and fussiness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a newborn who does not want to be held or who is difficult to rouse needs to be seen by a doctor.

Natural remedies to ease baby cold

• Saline drops are a great way of unblocking bub’s nose and keeping nasal passages clear. You can buy saline and syringe kits from the chemist. Simply put a few drops of saline into bub’s nose and use a washcloth or syringe to remove any mucous.
• Steam is a well-known remedy for unblocking a congested nose. A humidifier with a few drops of eucalyptus oil can help loosen bub’s blocked nose and keep the air moist to prevent nasal congestion. If you don’t have a humidifier you can create the same effect in your bathroom. Simply run the hot water taps in the shower for a few minutes with the bathroom door closed. The steam in the bathroom can assist in unblocking bub’s nose and reducing congestion.
• Keeping bub’s head elevated can also assist with congestion. Try putting a folded towel underneath the cot mattress to keep bub’s head slightly elevated while sleeping. Here are 4 germ-fighting tips to help keep your kids and home clean:

1. Scrub away germs: 

It's great to have your kid wash his hands for two rounds of "Happy Birthday", but also make sure he gets his hands good and sudsy, too; friction is what scrubs away the germs. Also keep your child's nails trimmed short -- less space for germs to cling to!

2. Use hand sanitizer when a sink's not around, but read the label carefully:

 An effective hand sanitizer needs to have at least 60 percent alcohol to kill bugs, says Philip Tierno, Ph.D., an associate professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University.

3. Spot-clean germ hotspots 

"It's not dirt that you are looking for, it's germs," says Tierno. "Paying attention to the high-traffic areas where germs linger, like countertops, phones, and doorknobs, is more important." This also includes wiping down the cart handle at the grocery store, using your own pen when signing receipts or checks while shopping, and bringing toys if you take your kids to the doctor -- an office full of sick kids have already touched the ones there.

4. Wipes are super convenient

 but they can also transfer bacteria from one surface to another. Use each wipe on only one surface, and then toss it.

Boosting Your Child's Immune System

Aside from keeping clean or getting the flu vaccine, having a healthy immune system is your kid's best bet in fighting off a cold or the seasonal flu. Kids can get an immunity boost from practicing basic healthy habits: eating well, staying active and getting enough sleep.

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