Typically, colds (which are caused by viruses) can last 1-2 weeks. Symptoms vary and may include cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat, stomach ache, headache and fatigue. If your child has mild symptoms and does not seem to be in any distress, it is okay to provide home care. Home or supportive care includes:
- Pushing fluids
- Keeping your child hydrated is important during any illness
- For children over one, you can use:
- Water
- Juice
- Pedialyte or Gatorade
- Popsicles
- Jell-O
- For children under one
- Formula
- Breastmilk
- Pedialyte
- Clear out nasal passages
- Use saline spray for the nose or saline drops by using a bulb syringe
- A Neti-pot can be used in older children/teenagers
- Loosen mucous and reduce cough
- Use a humidifier in the child’s room at night (cool or warm mist) OR 10-15 minutes in a steamy bathroom
- Coughs
- For children over one, give one-half to one teaspoon of honey every 4 hours, as needed
- Zarbees is a common over-the-counter children’s medication that can be used for children over 1
- The main ingredient is honey
- Honey should not be used in children under the age of one because it is not pasteurized and can cause botulism toxicity
- Zarbees is a common over-the-counter children’s medication that can be used for children over 1
- For children over one, give one-half to one teaspoon of honey every 4 hours, as needed
- Over the counter cough and cold preparations can be used for children eight and up, but should not be used at the same time as Tylenol (acetaminophen), since most over the counter medications contain Tylenol
- Fever and pain
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen; for children 6 months and up) can be used to treat fever and pain
- Please call your provider or provider’s nurse at (405) 948-4900 if you need correct dosing for your child
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen; for children 6 months and up) can be used to treat fever and pain