
- Yogurt. It's smart to give your kids some kind of probiotic on a regular basis, especially during cold and flu season.
- 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.
- Beef & Pork. Meat is naturally high in protein, a critical component of the immune system. ...
- Chicken Soup. Your grandma was right: There's something about chicken soup (even the store-bought kind!) that makes you feel better when you're sick.
- Warm Drink. Got a miserable, sniffly kid? In research, people with symptoms of colds and flu who sipped on a hot drink said it immediately eased their runny nose, cough, ...
- Breads, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour.
- Refined hot cereals, such as oatmeal and Cream of Wheat.
- Fruit juices that are diluted by mixing half water and half juice. ...
- Frozen fruit pops or gelatin (Jell-O) are good choices, especially if the child is vomiting.
What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?
What do you feed a child with the stomach flu? Once your child has stopped vomiting, they can start to eat foods again. The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. "These foods are very easy to digest," says Dr. Rojas.
What are the best flu home remedies for kids?
You can also try these kid-friendly flu home remedies to give relief. Consider using a cool-mist humidifier to soothe an irritated or sore throat. Only for children older than 1 year, give a teaspoon of honey prior to brushing their teeth to help with a nighttime cough.
What to eat when you have the flu?
Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition. Consider eating the following foods when you have the flu. 1. Broth. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu.
What can I give my 6 month old for a cough?
Encourage your child to breathe in moist, warm water vapors from a shower or bath to loosen mucus. Avoid giving cough and cold medications to kids. Learn why these medications are not recommended for young children. For children over 6 months old, give your child plenty of warm fluids.

What meals are good when you have the flu?
10 Foods to Eat When You Have the FluIce Pops. 1/10. They can soothe your throat when it's sore, swollen, or dry. ... Turkey Sandwich. 2/10. It has lean protein, a key part of a healthy diet. ... Vegetable Juice. 3/10. ... Chicken Soup. 4/10. ... Garlic. 5/10. ... Ginger. 6/10. ... Hot Tea. 7/10. ... Banana. 8/10.More items...•
What foods should you avoid if you have the flu?
Foods to avoid when you have the fluCaffeinated drinks and alcohol. Between elevated temperatures and increased sweating, dehydration is something to be cautious of when you have a fever. ... Greasy foods. ... Hard to digest grains. ... Sugary food or drinks.
Is banana good for flu?
Bananas. Bananas are a great food to eat when you're sick. They're soft and bland but rich in nutrients and fast-acting carbs. The potassium in bananas can help replenish your electrolyte stores as well, since potassium is one of the key electrolytes your body needs ( 34 , 35 ).
Is boiled egg good for flu?
Eggs contain protein and it is essential to gain some strength and energy at a time like this. In fact, eggs are also filled with vitamins B6 and B12 that help in boosting immunity. So, boiled eggs are a good choice of food during a fever.
How can I get rid of the flu quickly?
The CDC recommends baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza). The drugs work best when you get them within 48 hours of your first symptoms. They may shorten the time you are sick and make your symptoms milder if you take the medicine early on.
What helps flu fast?
Here are some good foods to eat when you're battling a cold or flu: Bananas and rice to soothe an upset stomach and curb diarrhea. Vitamin C-containing foods like bell peppers. Blueberries curb diarrhea and are high in natural aspirin, which may lower fevers and help with aches and pains.
How long does a flu last?
For most healthy people, the flu is an uncomfortable but short-term illness that resolves itself as the immune system fights it off. Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days.
What should I drink when sick with the flu?
Sip clear drinks to keep your fluids up. You can try chipped ice, juices, sports drinks, ginger ale, clear broths, gelatin, and ice pops. Start with small amounts, like 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children. Only use clear liquids (clear broth, juice, lemon-lime soda).
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 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 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 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.
Should sick children stay in bed?
But there's no need to make sick children stay in bed all day if they feel like getting up. Kids are pretty good about not pushing themselves too hard when they don't feel well. As noted earlier, you can usually feel confident basing your treatment on your child's behavior.
Is a high fever bad for kids?
In general, even a high fever is not harmful in itself (unless caused by environmental factors, such as being out in the sun or in a hot car). For example, if your child's temperature is 102 degrees, but he or she is still running around playing, there's no reason for concern and no reason to treat it.
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 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 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.
Can you eat chicken soup with the flu?
You can eat chicken soup throughout the duration of the flu to help keep you hydrated and satiated; just be sure to watch the salt content. 3. Garlic. While you might think of garlic as a food-flavoring agent, it’s actually been used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments for centuries. One study.
Is broccoli good for the flu?
Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse that can benefit your body when you have the flu. Eating just one serving will provide immune-boosting vitamins C and E, along with calcium and fiber.
How to help a child with the flu?
Encourage your child to breathe in moist, warm water vapors from a shower or bath to loosen mucus. Avoid giving cough and cold medications to kids. Learn why these medications are not recommended for young children. For children over 6 months old, give your child plenty of warm fluids. Some symptoms of the flu in kids warrant medical attention.
How to help a child with a sore throat?
Consider using a cool mist humidifier to soothe an irritated or sore throat. Only for children older than 1 year, give a teaspoon of honey prior to brushing their teeth to help with nighttime cough. See more cough remedies for kids. For children who are too young to blow their nose, use a bulb suction to remove mucus.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the flu can include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
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 clear a stuffy nose without medication?
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to clear up a stuffy nose without medication. Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. This will help break up mucus.
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.
Why is my toddler hot?
Your child may be very hot due to fever. Dress them comfortably and avoid heavy blankets or excessive layers that could make them feel hotter. A lukewarm bath can also help them cool off and wind down before taking a nap or going to sleep for the night.
What to feed a child with stomach flu?
The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. "These foods are very easy to digest," says Dr. Rojas.
How to treat stomach flu in kids?
The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. "For hydration, use a rehydration solution that's available in any store and over the counter," says Dr. Rojas. "Start with small sips and increase gradually, so they don't vomit it up.". Water alone may not be enough to rehydrate kids safely, especially younger children.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is not to be confused with the flu caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, that irritate and infect the digestive system. It can be a common illness among kids, who may not be as good at washing their hands as adults ...
How long does it take for a child to recover from diarrhea?
With the right rest and rehydration, your child should make a full recovery in just a few days. Dr. Rojas says they can even return to school once the diarrhea has stopped and they have not had a fever for 24 hours.
Can antibiotics help with stomach flu?
Because the stomach flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. "Usually we just need to let the virus run its own course," says Dr. Rojas. "Trying to take medications can prolong symptoms and make them worse.".
Can you eat spicy food after vomiting?
Children should avoid greasy, heavy or spicy foods for a few days after they experience vomiting. Avoiding dairy could also be beneficial due to a transient lactose intolerance after stomach flu, though infants should still breastfeed or have formula if able to tolerate.
Can stomach flu cause diarrhea?
Unfortunately for little ones, the stomach flu can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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.
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.
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.
