what to feed a kid with the flu

What food is good for flu recovery?

The best foods for fighting the fluBroth. Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. ... Chicken soup. ... Ice pops. ... Fruits and veggies with vitamin C. ... Leafy greens. ... Fruit or vegetable juice. ... Herbal tea. ... Garlic.More items...•

What do you feed a sick child with no appetite?

A sick child may have a poor appetite so serve up mini meals based on their favorite types of foods. Frequent small meals are easier to digest and will help meet their energy needs. Steer clear of rich, fried, greasy foods and lean toward simple starches such as rice and noodles as these are easy on the stomach.

How do you get rid of the flu in a child?

Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches. (Do not give aspirin unless your doctor tells you to. It has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.) You can give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines to children over 6 years old if your doctor says it's OK.

What are Covid symptoms in kids?

Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on your child's skin tone.

Should I let my sick child sleep all day?

Sick children get very tired and need plenty of rest. Encourage your child to doze off when they need to, perhaps with a story read by you or on a mobile device or CD. Never fall asleep with a sick baby on the sofa with you, even if you're both exhausted.

How long does flu last in kids?

Most healthy people recover from the flu without any serious problems. Fever and muscle aches usually last only 2 to 4 days, but cough and tiredness can continue for 1 to 2 weeks or more.

How do I get rid of the flu ASAP?

12 Tips for a Speedy Flu RecoveryStay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... Hydrate. ... Sleep as much as possible. ... Ease your breathing. ... Eat healthy foods. ... Add moisture to the air. ... Take OTC medications. ... Try elderberry.More items...

Which flu is worse A or B?

Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. This is because the symptoms are often more severe in type A influenza than in type B influenza. Type A influenza is more common than type B influenza. Researchers suggest that most adults have considerable immunity against type B influenza.

How do I get my childs appetite back after being sick?

Don't be surprised if your child's appetite takes a while to return to normal when they have been sick. Make sure they're getting plenty of fluids, keep offering regular meals and snacks eaten together, and stay consistent – hopefully they'll pick back up soon!

How long can a sick child go without eating?

Not eating is a good thing. If you force them to, they could lose it all over again. Don't give them solid foods for about eight hours once they've started vomiting. Clear liquids only.

How can I stimulate my child's appetite?

20 suggestions for boosting a healthy appetite in your little one1) Compulsory breakfast. ... 2) Offer water 30 minutes before meal time. ... 3) Feed every two hours. ... 4) Snacks are meals. ... 5) Peanut is not just any nut. ... 6) Don't make milk a meal. ... 7) Offer favourite foods. ... 8) Offer small bites.More items...

How long a child can go without eating?

How long can a child go without eating? An article in Archiv Fur Kriminologie states the body can survive for 8 to 21 days without food and water and up to two months if there's access to an adequate water intake. Modern-day hunger strikes have provided insight into starvation.

What are some good foods for kids to eat?

Sweet Potatoes. These bright orange spuds are loaded with vitamin A, a key immune system nutrient that helps keep tissue in the mouth, intestines, and respiratory tract healthy. Just a half cup of cooked sweet potatoes has double the A that kids need every day.

What is the best food for the immune system?

Meat is naturally high in protein, a critical component of the immune system. Beef and pork especially are also some of the richest food sources of zinc, a mineral used by the body to make T-cells, which play a starring role in immunity. Other good sources of zinc are cashews, chickpeas, and kidney beans.

Does hot tea help with a sore throat?

For little ones, brew up some decaf tea with a drizzle of honey, which may help make a sore throat and cough feel better too.

Is yogurt good for kids?

Yogurt. It's smart to give your kids some kind of probiotic on a regular basis, especially during cold and flu season. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen the immune system by populating the GI tract and crowding out the bad bugs that can cause illness.

Who is Sally Kuzemchak?

Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, educator, and mom of two who blogs at Real Mom Nutrition. She is the author of The Snacktivist's Handbook: How to Change the Junk Food Snack Culture at School, in Sports, and at Camp—and Raise Healthier Snackers at Home.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

1 . The flu comes on suddenly.

What temperature should a child be at?

When it comes to a child with a fever, there are two situations when you should call the doctor immediately: 1 An infant up to 3 months whose rectal temperature is above 100.3 degrees or below 97 degrees: Babies this young cannot regulate their temperatures well, so you shouldn't wait to call the doctor. 2 A child between ages 3 months and 6 months with a rectal temperature of over 101 degrees: Although these older babies can regulate their body temperature better than when they were younger, a temperature over 101 degrees is still a serious concern.

What happens when a child gets the flu?

The flu comes on suddenly. You will likely notice that your child seems perfectly fine and healthy and then all of a sudden develops a fever, fatigue, body aches, and other symptoms of the flu such as sore throat and cough.

How to keep a child from getting dehydrated?

If your child is vomiting or having diarrhea, it's important to be sure he or she doesn't get dehydrated. Once the vomiting stops, the best way to maintain hydration and replace lost electrolytes is to give the child small sips of Pedialyte. 4  Space these sips out; give one every five to 10 minutes so you can be sure your child is able to keep the fluids down.

What happens if a child has a high fever but is active?

If your child has a high fever but is active and behaving pretty normally, you needn't be as concerned as you should be if, despite having only a low fever, your child seems unhappy and doesn't want to play.

Can kids handle the flu?

No one likes having the flu —it's a miserable illness and makes pretty much anyone feel horrible. But feeling confident that you know how to care for a child with the flu can ultimately help both of you feel better. Fortunately, kids are typically very resilient—in fact, they're often able to handle having the flu better than adults.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Influenza in children.

Why is vitamin C important?

Vitamin C is an important nutrient to help boost. Trusted Source. your immune system, which is especially important when you’re sick. While supplements can help, your body can absorb nutrients like vitamin C more effectively from the foods you eat. Consider snacking on vitamin C–rich fruits while you have the flu.

What are some good foods to boost your immune system?

It’s best to eat these immune-boosting foods throughout the duration of your illness. 7. Broccoli.

How long does it take to get over the flu?

While the worst of the symptoms may be gone after five days, it can take one to two weeks to get over the flu entirely. Your recovery may take even longer if you develop a secondary infection from the flu.

What fruits can you eat to help with the flu?

Consider snacking on vitamin C–rich fruits while you have the flu. Some fruits high in vitamin C include strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. 6. Leafy greens . Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu.

What is the best food for a sick person?

Oatmeal. When you’re sick, a hot bowl of oatmeal can be a soothing, nutritious food choice. Oatmeal, like other whole grains, is also a natural source of immune-boosting vitamin E. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants as well as immune-strengthening beta-glucan fiber.

What is the best medicine for a fever in a baby?

You can also: Administer an over-the-counter pain reliever for aches and fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Just be sure to check the dosage amount, and choose a baby or child version if appropriate for your child’s age and weight.

What is chicken soup?

Chicken soup combines the benefits of broth along with additional ingredients. Cut-up chicken provides your body with iron and protein, and you’ll also gain nutrients from carrots, herbs, and celery.

What to feed a child with diarrhea?

Avoid sugary drinks, as this will worsen the diarrhea. Foods, such as bananas, carrots, and white rice, are also good foods to feed your child, as they help normalize bowel movements, as well as provide necessary nutrition .

How to help a child with nausea?

Nausea might be the hardest thing to watch your child suffer through, and they would agree. But there are foods and drink that can help relieve their upset. Dry toast or crackers are good for absorbing any acid that is produced in the stomach during an illness that causes nausea. Keep food simple and bland as to not trigger vomiting, and your child will likely not want to eat much anyway. Ginger Ale has long been known as a way to ease stomach upset, and you might be surprised to find out that even doctors agree. The ginger helps ease nausea, as well as provide other nutritious benefits.

How to help a sore throat in a child?

Popsicles could very well be used to help soothe a sore throat, as well as serving to reduce a fever, but honey is a natural remedy that is well known to ease the suffering of a raw, scratchy throat. Hot tea with honey, for an older child, will help ease the pain and help reduce any swelling that may come as a result of the throat irritation. If the drink is not hot, or at least really warm, it will do little to help ease any swelling and provide no comfort. Hot chocolate is a good alternative for children suffering from a sore throat that may not be willing to drink tea.

How to help a child with cold and flu?

Offer plenty of fluids. Keep your child hydrated to help reduce cold and flu symptoms and make them feel better. Fevers can result in dehydration. Your child may not feel as thirsty as they normally would, and they may be uncomfortable when drinking, so it’s important to encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.

What to do after a child gets sick?

Wash all surfaces they came into contact with before or during their sickness. Encourage your children and your other family members to wash their hands regularly to keep future germs at bay.

How to teach your child not to share food?

Teach your child not to share food, drinks, or utensils when they eat to avoid spreading germs between them and their friends. Keep your child out of daycare or school when they’re ill, especially when they have a fever. The good news about cold and flu season is that it does come and go.

What is the fever of a 3 month old?

has a fever greater than 101°F (38°C) for more than two days, or a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher for any amount of time. has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher and is under 3 months old. has a fever that doesn’t get better after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. seems unusually drowsy or lethargic.

How old should a child be to take ibuprofen?

If your child is over 6 months old, you may also give ibuprofen to help control fever or pain. You may find it difficult to measure out medications in the cups that are included with the bottle. If you’re concerned about using the provided measuring cup, talk to your local pharmacist.

When to give OTC cold medicine to toddler?

Know what to give and when. recommends against children under age 2 taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. If your child has a fever or symptoms of a cold, and is under age 2 , call their pediatrician to determine first if you need to give any medication, and how much you need to administer.

Can antibiotics help with flu?

Colds and flus are viral infections, so antibiotics won’t help when it comes to clearing up an infection. However, there are steps you can take to help your child feel better while their immune system battles the virus.

What Should I Feed My Child After Vomiting

After it has been 4-6 hours since the last time your little one upchucked and they are keeping down fluids, you can start trying to feed them these recommended foods:

How Long Does The Stomach Viral Flu Last In A Child

Typically the stomach flu lasts 24-48 hours in children, but some children have symptoms for up to 10 days. If your child suffers from symptoms past 48 hours, contact a medical professional as they are at risk for dehydration.

Recovery

It’s never easy seeing your little one suffer, but remember to take care of yourself too by sanitizing everything. You won’t be much good if you catch the virus too. I’ve made that mistake before and it’s not pretty.

What to eat after stomach bug?

In the past, experts suggested eating bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast after a stomach bug. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children go back to their normal diets after they're hydrated. Think: slow and steady.

What to drink when a baby is vomiting?

When my poor baby is hurling over the toilet, I always have a fresh, cold glass of water waiting for him or her during every vomiting episode. Other tolerable drinks include ginger ale and tart lemon sodas.

How to get rid of stomach bug in toddler?

You don’t want the rest of the family to pick up the stomach bug! Clean vomit and diarrhea immediately with a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. In addition, clean and disinfect any areas your child has touched including beds, toys and bathrooms.

How to help a toddler who is vomiting?

For the first 24 hours your child is actively vomiting, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to focus on hydration and offer clear fluids such as water, ice pops and gelatin. Liquid s help prevent dehydration, and are less likely than solid foods to stimulate further vomiting. Monitor.

What to do if your child is dehydrated?

If you’re concerned your child may be dehydrated, call your pediatrician immediately or visit your local emergency room. Encourage rest and relaxation. Children usually exhibit a lack of energy when they are sick with a stomach bug.

Can you feed a child with stomach bug?

But there are better ways to help feed a child who is in the midst of a stomach bug. And once the unpleasant symptoms subside, certain foods can help ease your child back to their pre-stomach bug eating habits.