It is easy to feel helpless when your child comes down with a cold. The sneezing, coughing, fever, chills – the symptoms may vary from child to child, but the discomfort and frustration are universal.
While there is still no cure for the common cold in children or adults, there are ways you can help your child feel better – and keep them from getting sick again this season.
What is the Rhinovirus?
How do children’s get colds, anyway? We’ve all had the common cold before, but what actually causes it – and how can we keep our kids from coming down with it year after year?
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to do that. Children are naturally drawn to the causes of the common cold – or at least the sources of the virus.
The common cold is also known as the Rhinovirus, a common viral infection that primarily impacts the nose and throat. It can also cause headaches, chills, fever, nausea, and more. Oh, and it is highly contagious.
That’s the problem with trying to keep kids from getting a cold. They touch numerous surfaces every day at school. They take their friends’ hands without worry. They cough and sneeze and don’t always mind where the germs from those actions land, much to your dismay. That’s exactly why the majority of children will deal with a cold at least once during their childhood, with most suffering from about or more every season.
How Can You Help Your Child Cope?
Since there is no cure for the common cold, your child’s doctor cannot prescribe medication to assist in recovery. Older children and adults can take over the counter cold and flu medications, but these are not recommended for younger children.
Instead, give your child an appropriate dose of fever reducer and pain reliever, if their symptoms warrant it. Allow them plenty of rest and offer them more fluids than usual, focusing on clear fluids and excluding those with caffeine or excessive sugar.
Cough drops and hot showers or baths are also helpful for children dealing with the common cold. If you’re not sure if a treatment route is appropriate for your child at their age, consult their doctor before administering it.
For more information or to speak to a pediatrician in Phoenix, talk to the caring and compassionate staff at Pediatrix today!
