Flu Treatment for Children

Flu is an infectious viral infection that affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs) and is caused by the influenza virus. In children, illness is often accompanied by diarrhea, which is often associated with "stomach flu" which actually has nothing to do with the flu.

There are 3 main types of influenza viruses, namely type A, B, and C. Bird flu and Hong Kong flu are examples of flu caused by influenza type A viruses. For some people, the flu can be very annoying and can even be a cause of other complications.

Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of flu can appear suddenly, in contrast to cold or salespeople whose symptoms appear gradually. The initial symptoms are usually sore throat, headache, nasal congestion or even a runny nose, and sneezing. This initial symptom is the same as a cold that has been considered the same as the flu.

Other symptoms that occur at a later stage are excessive fatigue, aching body, mild fever to the high and shivering body. This is what sets it apart from the common cold.

Incubation Period of Flu Virus

the symptoms above usually last around 1-4 days. Adults may be infected one day before symptoms appear and last up to 5 to 7 days after infection. Children and people with a weak immune system may transmit for a longer time.

The Spread of the Flu Virus

This disease is easily and quickly spread through direct contact with patients. When a person speaks, sneezes, or coughs, then saliva, or mucus can spread in the air even if only in the form of droplets. The droplets will be inhaled for a while and cause infection in those around them.

This virus can also be spread through touch. For example, when your child plays with a friend who has a cold and the friend touches your child's toy. Through contact like this, the virus can spread and infect your child. If you or your child has had a particular flu strain or received a flu vaccination, then your body may be immune to certain strains.

Flu in Children

There are more than 200 viruses that can cause colds or diseases which are also called common cold. Even children can get the flu 8 to 12 times a year, especially toddlers whose immune systems are still developing.

Although it is not dangerous, you can be uncomfortable because you have difficulty breathing, especially with fever. Nasal congestion, sometimes accompanied by coughing, makes sleep unhealthy or fussy. But keep in mind that children under the age of 4 are not advised to take cold or cold medicines. These are some ways to deal with colds that you can do besides giving medicine.

Various ways to treat a child's cold naturally

1. Lots of rest and sleep

One way to deal with colds is to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system in adults, as well as in children. If at night he is often awake, try to sleep the child early the next day. For example, put the child to bed at 11 o'clock in the afternoon if the child's nap is usually 12 o'clock in the afternoon. Do not hesitate to leave your child off school, so that he can rest completely. After all, the virus can spread to his friends in the school.

2. Need more drink

Clogged nose in a child can be treated if the child's body is runny and does not lack fluids. Give water, can also warm lime juice mixed with a little honey. Don't give carbonated drinks or coffee. This type of drink can make children urinate more often, as a result, the child can be deficient in the fluid.

3. Eat warm chicken soup

A study says that chicken soup contains cysteine, a type of amino acid that can reduce mucus. There are also studies that find chicken soup helps the body control neutrophils, cells that cause nasal congestion. According to Debra Fulghum Bruce Ph.D., chicken soup contains pepper, garlic and other ingredients that can reduce mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs of people with colds.

4. Give probiotics

The results revealed that children with colds aged 12 months to 12 years who consumed probiotics healed faster than those who did not. Probiotics are proven to increase the body's resistance. Probiotics are contained in yogurt or drinks containing Lactobacillus. This type of drink is quite easy to find in supermarkets or grocery stores.

5. Saltwater

Salt water is believed by some people to be able to relieve colds in children and adults. Dissolve a ½-½ teaspoon of salt in 236 ml of warm water. Then drop into the nostrils of the child with the help of a dropper. How to deal with colds is not suitable for children less than 4 years.

6. Give vitamin C

Vitamin C cannot cure colds but can increase the body's resistance. Patients will recover faster if they take vitamin C sometime after the appearance of cold symptoms. The recommended dose of vitamin C is 45 mg for children aged 5 years. Toddlers and babies do not need to take vitamin C supplements unless recommended by a doctor.

Vitamin C contained in vegetables and fruits is enough to meet the needs of this vitamin in children under 5 years. Some types of vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamin C and safe for children of all ages are bananas, papaya, oranges, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli.

7. Warm bath

Some parents do not bathe a child who is sick with a cold, because he is worried that the cold will get worse. This opinion is inappropriate, bathe the child as usual when he has a cold, or wipe his body using a small towel. A warm bath can reduce aches in the body that make children feel uncomfortable.

8. Inhaling moisture

Inhaling water vapor that rises from hot water can cause nasal congestion. How to pour hot water into a bowl or basin. Sit the child in front of the basin, then cover it with a wet towel. Be careful, do not let the child touch the basin or put his hand in hot water. Do this evaporation for 15 minutes. You can also mix eucalyptus oil or breathing cream balm in hot water. How to overcome this cold proved effective.

9. Give honey

Honey contains antibacterial, antioxidant properties, and against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Therefore, honey is considered effective in treating flu and the symptoms associated with this disease. Mix ½-1 teaspoon of honey with warm water. You can also add a few drops of lime juice, then add it. Caution: Do not give honey to children under 12 months.

10. Using snot suction

Generally, nasal respirators are used for babies. You can also use it if the child has not been able to take his own snot. Don't forget to sterilize the suction end with alcohol before using it. You can buy a snot cleaner at the pharmacy.

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