As cold and flu season approaches, people face the challenge of keeping themselves—and, in the case of those who are parents, their children—healthy amidst rising illness rates. With viruses becoming increasingly prevalent during this time of year, understanding how to effectively manage symptoms and prevent the spread of illness is crucial.
To learn more about managing cold and flu symptoms, The Daily spoke with Lauren Beene, clinical instructor in pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University.
Read on to glean her insights.
1. Accurate temperature monitoring is essential for young infants—and helpful for the rest of us.
Keeping tabs on your temperature is a good gauge for assessing how your body may be reacting to fighting off illness. When it comes to kids, they’ll often feel warm when sick, so using a thermometer is valuable for determining if they actually have a fever. If your child has a fever lasting more than two or three days, consult a pediatrician.
2. Fever-reducing medications can improve comfort.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen effectively lower fevers and alleviate discomfort caused by aches and pains, helping us feel better during illness.
3. Hydration is vital for recovery.
Maintaining hydration is critical, especially when fighting sickness. Kids can benefit from oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. These solutions can help ease discomfort for adults, too!
4. Clear nasal passages for better breathing.
When you’re sick, chances are you find yourself blowing your nose regularly—an important step to allowing for better breathing. For infants and toddlers unable to blow their noses, using nasal saline and suction can significantly improve comfort, allowing for easier eating and sleeping.
5. Preventive measures can reduce illness risk.
While it’s difficult to avoid getting sick entirely, you should encourage hand washing, limit contact with sick individuals, and ensure that your family is up-to-date on vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 shots.
Members of the Case Western Reserve University community can engage with University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) for a wide range of medical services, including primary care and advice for respiratory viruses. Learn more about UHCS.