what to feed kids who have the flu

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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 a child with a cold or flu?

Colds and flu sap the appetite, and he may not feel like drinking. If that happens, think of some tempting alternatives to a glass of water or juice: Popsicles. If possible, get ones that are sugar-free or made with real fruit juice, or make your own. Pedialyte comes in frozen pops, too. Gelatin. Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. Soups.

What should I Feed my Sick Child?

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.

Is it OK to take care of a child with the flu?

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. But there are some special considerations to take into account.

What to give a child who has flu?

The flu may be treated with acetaminophen, cough medicine, and antiviral medicine. Your child will also need lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids. The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine.

What foods help fight flu virus?

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 is good for sick kids to eat?

Steer clear of rich, fried, greasy foods and lean toward simple starches such as rice and noodles as these are easy on the stomach. Try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast if they are a bit queasy. If you can get in some vegetables – go for it, but focus more on getting them nourished!

What helps flu fast?

9 Tips to Ease Flu SymptomsStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•

How can I get rid of the flu quickly?

These remedies might help you feel better:Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...

What should not eat in cold and cough?

And so can the following foods which you should avoid if you want that cough and cold to get any better.Sugar. You might crave a sugary tea or something sweet when you're down with a cold - what would you do without some comforts when you're sick after all? ... Alcohol. ... Caffeinated drinks. ... Milk. ... Spicy food.

Is Sprite good for fever?

TREATING THE FLU Drink at least 2 liters each day of liquids such as non-diet 7-UP, Sprite, Gatorade, ginger ale, broth, tea with sugar (yes, soda pop is OK with a cold or flu). For runny nose and stuffy nose, try a decongestant like 12-Hour Sudafed (available without a prescription).

How long can a child go without eating when sick?

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.

What helps your body fight a virus?

Healthy ways to strengthen your immune systemDon't smoke.Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.Exercise regularly.Maintain a healthy weight.If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.Get adequate sleep.Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.More items...

How do you get rid of a virus in your body?

For most viral infections, treatments can only help with symptoms while you wait for your immune system to fight off the virus. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections. There are antiviral medicines to treat some viral infections. Vaccines can help prevent you from getting many viral diseases.

What foods do viruses feed on?

Sugar is one of the most naturally occurring molecules, and all cells in the body are covered by a thick layer of sugar that protects the cells from bacteria and virus attacks. In fact, close to 80 per cent of all viruses and bacteria bind to the sugars on the outside of our cells.

What should I drink for 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.

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.

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.

How to boost immune system?

Consider combining leafy greens with fruit in a smoothie, or eat them raw with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil. It’s best to eat these immune-boosting foods throughout the duration of your illness.

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.

Why are children more likely to be dehydrated than adults?

Children are also more likely than adults to become dehydrated because of their lower body masses. Make sure you offer fluids to your child often.

How to get your child to sleep?

Encourage them to rest by creating an environment with minimal stimulation. Even though it may be tempting to put them in front of the television, watching too much TV may have a negative effect on their sleep.

When should I eat broccoli?

Consider eating broccoli when your appetite returns toward the middle or end of the flu. You can also eat broccoli soup; just remember to check the sodium content.

Can you take garlic supplements with the flu?

of garlic supplements in adults with the flu found enhanced immunity and reduced symptom severity. You don’t necessarily have to take supplements, though. Eating raw garlic may also be beneficial. Due to the immune-enhancing effects, consider eating garlic at the first signs of the flu.

How to keep kids healthy during cold season?

Of course, the best way to keep your kids healthy is to make sure they get plenty of sleep, plenty of fluids and a diet rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and whole grains. I know.

What are the nutrients in eggs for babies?

Eggs have both fat and vitamin E. Giving your kids scrambled eggs or an omelette with lots of cheese kills two birds with one stone. More: Vitamins and Minerals for Babies.

What is the best vitamin for the immune system?

In the body beta carotene converts to vitamin A , another key nutrient that boosts your immune system. You'll find it in any orange or yellow fruit or veggie.

What is the best vitamin for a sore throat?

The great thing about vitamin C is that it's found in all kinds of sweet fruits that kids love. Blend up a fruit smoothie, which will feel great on a sore throat. If your kids are into salad (we can dream, right?), check out our recipe for Strawberry Mango Salad.

What is the best vitamin for colds?

Vitamin C. found in strawberries, oranges, potatoes, bell peppers and raw leafy vegetables. For decades vitamin C has been the go-to nutrient to prevent and treat colds. But, according to Mayo Clinic, it may not be doing much.

Is it safe to give vitamin E to kids?

That said, vitamin E does boost the immune system in general, and protects it against free radicals. So, giving it to your kids in healthy doses isn't a bad idea. Fun fact: Vitamin E is best absorbed by the body when eaten with fatty foods.

Does zinc help with colds?

Like vitamin C, it doesn't seem to prevent illness, but it does shorten the duration of colds and flu.

What to give a sick child?

According to the experts, just about any fluids are good for your sick child. Try some of these: Water. It's the easiest choice, but if your child says it's boring, add a little juice to liven it up. Fruit juices. Most kids love them. But when they come from citrus fruits, like OJ, they can irritate a sore throat.

How much fluid should a child drink a day?

It depends on their weight and age. Some experts say kids older than 1 need as many as 4 to 5 cups of fluid a day -- from both drinks and foods. If your child is older or weighs more, they'll need more fluid. Call your doctor for advice if they get dehydrated. Watch for these signs:

What Fluids Will Help?

According to the experts, just about any fluids are good for your sick child. Try some of these:

How to help a 1 year old with a sore throat?

Just make sure it's not too hot so it doesn't scald or burn them. As long as they are older than 1 year old, add some honey to make their sore throat feel better and ease a cough.

Do kids need fluids?

Just like grownups, kids need plenty of fluids when they've got a cold or the flu. But if your little one won't play along when you say "drink up," it's time to get creative. Making it fun is the secret.

Is milk good for kids with colds?

Milk. Despite what you may have heard, it's fine for kids with colds or flu. It won't cause mucus buildup. The protein, calories, and fat in it can help keep up your sick child's strength.

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.

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.

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 temperature should an infant be at 3 months?

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.

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.

What is the best diet for a sick person?

You may remember Mom’s long-ago advice that when you’re sick, you should follow the BRAT Diet, which stands for bananas, (white) rice, apples and toast – low-fiber foods that will soothe your stomach.

How to beat the flu?

A healthy diet can boost your immune system. The misery of the flu will have anyone scrounging the internet for home remedies. Maybe some chicken soup and hot tea are just what you need to beat the virus into submission.

What to do when you're sick and can't stand salad?

If you can’t stand the idea of scarfing a salad while sick, add a leafy green to your chicken soup or other cozy stew to reap the benefits in a slightly more flu-friendly form.

What are the three foods that are associated with the immune system?

Ginger, cayenne and turmeric are associated with a number of cozy, comforting foods, too, and each has various health properties. “Among a variety of different cultures, they’re a big part of our immune repertoire,” Dr. Vyas says.

How to help your immune system?

Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. The typical American diet is full of foods that produce inflammation. And when the body has too much inflammation, the immune system struggles. Lower inflammation and help your immune system by changing the type of fats you eat. Advertising Policy.

Is fish bad for babies?

Some fish contain mercury and other contaminants that can be harmful to babies before birth or children. Pregnant or nursing women and parents of small children should check with a doctor about eating fish. Some plant foods also contain omega-3s: Canola oil. Chia seeds.

What to feed a child with a cough and a runny nose?

But what are your best bets for feeding them when they are mildly sick with a little sneezing, a cough and a runny nose? Diluted fruit juices, water, soup and broth are great ways of replenishing fluids.

What to do when sick child is hungry?

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 to help a child with fluids?

Offer your child a variety of soft fruits; they are not only full of vitamins and minerals to support good health and immunity, but contain a good deal of water to help support your child's fluid needs. Frozen sliced fruits are convenient and easy to thaw, and they won't spoil as quickly as fresh fruit. Here are a couple of ways to serve them:

What fruits can help with colds?

Good sources of vitamin C include lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit and berries.

What foods help fight the flu?

Your body uses it to build strength and keep what you already have. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources.

What foods help the immune system?

Minerals like selenium and zinc also keep your immune system going strong. These minerals are found in protein -rich foods like beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.

What Other Nutrients Fight Infection?

You’ll find this powerful antioxidant in the red, pulpy area of a watermelon near the rind. It’s also in kale, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.

What vitamins are good for pregnant women?

Pregnant and nursing women need more. Foods that have it provide nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, both of which keep your immune system working like it should. Vitamin B6 comes in protein-rich foods like turkey and beans, as well as potatoes, spinach, and enriched cereal grains.