SEVEN TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD THROUGH A COLD

Did you know that most kids will have at least six to eight colds a year and are more likely to have colds during the fall and winter? Children under the age of 5, and particularly under age 2, are at an especially high risk during cold and flu season.

Colds are viral infections, so antibiotics won’t help when it comes to clearing up an infection. But here are eight tips to help your child feel better while their immune system fights the virus:

1. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids (water, electrolytes, soups, smoothies or natural juices).
2. Take time for extra rest.
3. Elevate head of bed to help with nasal and sinus drainage.
4. Run a humidifier if home is dry (winter heater running dries air).
5. Use a nasal spray with xylitol and saline to help loosen and thin nasal secretions which can also help decrease rates of sinus and ear infections due to antibacterial properties of xylitol.
6. Take advantage of winter citrus which packs lots of Vitamin C – tangerines, mandarins and oranges are good choices.
7. Warm honey is a great cough suppressant – either plain or in herbal tea.

Remember, CPCMG has health care advice by phone seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If you are concerned about your children’s cold or believe it may be something else, please call your CPCMG office and listen to the prompts to reach a nurse.