First off SORRY if you are sick or if your family is sick. I think the entire country is dealing with it. I got a cold a week ago and have still yet to kick it. So if the cold or flu is sweeping through your household. Here are a few measures you can take to get you feeling better.
The minute your cold symptoms arrive here are a few things you should start to do!
Listerine- The first thing I do when I notice a cold coming on is gurgling with Listerine 24/7. When I start to feel my throat tingling I start with listerine. Gurgling every hour or so. My husband taught me this trick and it really works. It helps kill some of the germs in the back of the mouth and soothes your throat.
Stay hydrated- My Husband gets quite a few text messages and phone calls in the winter regarding colds with adults and little ones. The first thing my Husband asks is "are you or your kid drinking fluids?" Staying hydrated helps your body fight the infection and keeps you feeling better. A fever will make you lose water, so when your kiddo or yourself is sick make sure you have your glass of water in reach and be drinking as much as you can. Water, milk, juice, clear broth or lemon water with honey (except for kids under 1 they can't have honey) will help loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. If your younging is sick important to make sure they are having plenty of wet diapers.
Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, they can make dehydration worse.
Rest- Let your body heal and the best way to heal is to let your body rest.
Listerine- The first thing I do when I notice a cold coming on is gurgling with Listerine 24/7. When I start to feel my throat tingling I start with listerine. Gurgling every hour or so. My husband taught me this trick and it really works. It helps kill some of the germs in the back of the mouth and soothes your throat.
Stay hydrated- My Husband gets quite a few text messages and phone calls in the winter regarding colds with adults and little ones. The first thing my Husband asks is "are you or your kid drinking fluids?" Staying hydrated helps your body fight the infection and keeps you feeling better. A fever will make you lose water, so when your kiddo or yourself is sick make sure you have your glass of water in reach and be drinking as much as you can. Water, milk, juice, clear broth or lemon water with honey (except for kids under 1 they can't have honey) will help loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. If your younging is sick important to make sure they are having plenty of wet diapers.
Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, they can make dehydration worse.
Rest- Let your body heal and the best way to heal is to let your body rest.
for Specific Symptoms:
Cough- These is my Husband's words here....Most cough medications don't have any evidence that they actually work. There can be alot of side effects with cough meds. So he always reccommends using a teaspoon of warm honey. The American Accedmy of Pedatrics acutally recommends using honey for coughs in children over 1. Unfortuately for kids under one there really isn't an option for them, they just have to tough it out. People often use vicks, that is ok to use but make sure you aren't using it in kids under 2. There is alot of litature on why you can't use Vicks on kids under 2. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using it but not in KIDS UNDER 2. You can read that article here!
Congestion- For adults you can use any cough medications containing pseudoephedrine. The decongested should help with your stuffy nose. Another over the counter medidication to try is Afrin Nasal Spray. For young children there isn't really alot of options so once again it's time to tough it out. You could try using a cool mist humidifier.
Fever- The most important thing is being consistant with keeping up on your meds. For BOTH adults and kids this is VERY important. Specifically Tynelol and Ibuprofen can be taken every 6 hours as directed on the box.
Stomach Flu Or Vomiting- Staying hydarted once again is the most important thing. For infants and kids it is probably best to call you pediatrician and talk to a nurse on recommendations.
Congestion- For adults you can use any cough medications containing pseudoephedrine. The decongested should help with your stuffy nose. Another over the counter medidication to try is Afrin Nasal Spray. For young children there isn't really alot of options so once again it's time to tough it out. You could try using a cool mist humidifier.
Fever- The most important thing is being consistant with keeping up on your meds. For BOTH adults and kids this is VERY important. Specifically Tynelol and Ibuprofen can be taken every 6 hours as directed on the box.
Stomach Flu Or Vomiting- Staying hydarted once again is the most important thing. For infants and kids it is probably best to call you pediatrician and talk to a nurse on recommendations.
Remember if the cold or flu hits your house cleaning and hand washing is your best friend.
Doorknobs, faucets, handles in the kitchen are the biggest areas where germs can be transfered from one person to another.
Another things I do once a cold of flu hits the house is change the sheets on the bed, wash all towels, and throw out the toothbrushes and replace with new ones.
Remember you know yourself and your kids best. If you are ever worried remember to call your your primary care doctor or visit the urgent care clinic near you.
Hope you all stay healthy in this brutal winter weather!
Cheers,
Jess
Another things I do once a cold of flu hits the house is change the sheets on the bed, wash all towels, and throw out the toothbrushes and replace with new ones.
Remember you know yourself and your kids best. If you are ever worried remember to call your your primary care doctor or visit the urgent care clinic near you.
Hope you all stay healthy in this brutal winter weather!
Cheers,
Jess
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