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:
