Each year, many people become sick with colds. Statistics show that people throughout the United States suffer from 1 billion colds each year. Making matters worse, many who suffer from this illness are children. In fact, the average child will catch anywhere between six to 10 colds each year. Therefore, many parents will be taking care of sick children as colds become more prevalent. Unfortunately, there is no magical cure for the common cold. However, following these simple tips will ensure that the cold doesn’t keep your child sick for long. With that in mind, here are four tips for taking care of a child with a cold.
- Hydration is Extremely Important
You’ll want to make sure that your sick child is staying adequately hydrated. However, it’s important to avoid giving to children wanting sodas and other sugary drinks. These beverages won’t help your child stay hydrated. It’s best to keep your child hydrated with water or beverages containing electrolytes. Milk can also work well in regards to hydrating your child. - Nasal Strips for Peaceful Nights
You’ve likely heard of nasal strips. These little items fit on the nose, slightly lifting nasal passages. In turn, this allows both children and adults to avoid stuffy noses throughout the night. Many parents find that using these strips is more preferable among children than the alternative of nasal sprays. - Chicken Noodle Soup is a Time Tested Remedy
It’s understandable to wonder what to feed sick kids. Children dealing with colds are often fussy and might not have an appetite. Considering that, you’ll find that chicken noodle soup is still a great recommendation. Steam from hot soup helps to relieve nasal congestion. In addition, studies have found that the amino acids in this dish act as a type of anti inflammatory. Best of all, this dish is easy to prepare which makes it a great choice for busy parents. - Purchase a Humidifier
Parents might find it tough to know if a room is humid enough for a sick child. With that in mind, you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing a humidifier. These items can work wonders for children suffering through nasty colds. Increase the moisture within a room can help children rest more peacefully. In turn, this helps the body to naturally begin healing itself.
In conclusion, it’s important to learn how to provide home care for children with colds. If your child’s condition doesn’t improve within a few days, it’s time to consider when to go to urgent care. Unless your child has an extremely high fever, you’ll want to avoid the emergency room. With that in mind, many parents take their children to urgent care centers. One reason for this is due to the fast care that urgent care centers provide. In fact, statistics show that 60% of all urgent care facilities have a wait time of fewer than 15 minutes to be seen by a physician. Therefore, urgent care centers are great for busy parents wanting fast relief for their sick children.