what to feed kids with flu

5 Foods to Fight Kids' Colds & Flu

• 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. ...
• Chicken Soup. ...
• Warm Drink. ...

Full Answer

How to care for a child with the flu?

How to Care for a Child With the Flu 1 Understanding Symptoms. The symptoms of the flu are similar in children to those of adults,... 2 Because young children are at much higher risk for severe complications... 3 Fever and the Flu. A child between ages zero and three months whose rectal temperature is... 4 Rest and Fluids. Knowing how to care...

What can I give my 5 year old for the flu?

Offer plenty of liquids. Fever, which is common with the flu, can lead to dehydration. Offer plain water, ice pops, icy drinks mixed in a blender, and soft fruits (like melons or grapes). Encourage your child to rest in bed or on the couch with a supply of magazines, books, quiet music, and perhaps a favorite movie.

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 Child for a cough and cold?

For anolder child, warm beverages are soothing and can help break up mucus. 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. Milk. Despite what you may have heard, it's fine for kids with colds or flu.

What foods help get rid of the flu?

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 food makes flu worse?

Caffeinated drinks and alcohol Caffeine and alcohol can make your symptoms worse (especially stomach-related symptoms), so I'd recommend sipping on water and other clear liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated.

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.

Is yogurt good for flu?

Yogurt. Eating yogurt that contains live bacteria may help fight off the flu. Yogurt is also a good source of protein .

How can I make my flu worse?

7 Habits That Could Be Causing Your Flu Symptoms to Linger Even LongerTrying to Push Through It. If you want to heal quickly, you have to allow yourself to rest. ... Not Getting the Flu Vaccine. ... Going Hard at the Gym. ... Not Drinking Enough Water. ... Slacking on Sleep. ... Vaping or Smoking. ... Not Seeing Your Doctor.

What foods to avoid if you have Covid?

Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar. Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks). Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.

What foods make colds worse?

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.

How long does flu last?

The flu typically lasts three to seven days, according to the CDC. Serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, can take longer to recover from. Some symptoms, such as a cough, can persist for more than two weeks.

Why is vitamin E given to nursing homes?

Vitamin E. About 15 years ago, vitamin E was given to a certain nursing home population to study its effects on cold and flu prevention. It seemed, after the study, that those who took it didn't get sick as often. While the research was promising, it was in no way definitive.

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 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 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.

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.

Do fruits and vegetables help with colds?

We all know that fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. While all vitamins and minerals are important in different ways, not all of them prevent or help fight colds and the flu. In fact, some of the old standbys our parents used don't actually work.

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 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 old should a child be to drink fluids?

For children over 6 months old, give your child plenty of warm fluids.

Can you videoconference with a health care provider?

We know that getting sick is never convenient. But now you can videoconference with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Virtual Visit by Children's Health Virtual Care. Get treated right from your smartphone, tablet or computer for allergies, common colds and flu, cuts and more. Download the Virtual Visit app today.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is the best drink to drink to detox your body?

When it comes to hydrating beverages, water still ranks number one. It also acts as a natural detox for your body. If you aren’t a fan of water or are looking for something with more flavor, you can also drink: 1 broth 2 ginger tea 3 herbal tea with honey 4 honey and lemon tea (mix equal parts with hot water) 5 100 percent juices (look for products without added sugars)

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.

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 fruits can help with colds?

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

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:

Can frozen strawberries spoil?

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: Slightly thawed fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, offer a cooling sensation on the throat.

What Is the Flu?

The flu ( influenza) is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu can make someone feel pretty sick for up to a week.

What to do for a fever and aches?

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 .)

How to help a kid with a runny nose?

Do not give these medicines to children under 6 years old because they can cause bad reactions. Running a cool-mist humidifier can help relieve coughs and runny or stuffy noses. Clean it after each use or at least once a day.

How to get rid of a cough in a baby?

Do not give honey to children under 12 months old. For babies: Put a few drops of saline (saltwater) into the nose, then gently suction the mucus out with a bulb syringe.

What to do if your doctor prescribes medicine?

If your doctor prescribes medicine to ease symptoms, call the pharmacist before you go to pick it up. In a severe flu season, some pharmacies might have trouble keeping the medicines in stock.

How long can you be fever free?

have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine

What to do if your child has the flu?

If your child gets the flu: Offer plenty of liquids. Fever and appetite loss are common with the flu, and can lead to dehydration. Encourage your child to rest in bed or on the couch with a supply of magazines, books, quiet music, and perhaps a favorite movie.

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.

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 long does it take for a toddler to regain appetite?

Think: slow and steady. Although your child can enjoy a variety of food from his or her regular repertoire, it’s important to be patient. It may take a day or two to regain a full appetite. Offer small portions and wait five to 10 minutes after your child finishes before asking how his or her tummy feels.

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 give a child an over the counter electrolyte?

And hydrate. Sometimes, your child may need an over-the-counter oral electrolyte solution like Pedialyte in order to replenish electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. (Always speak with your pediatrician, though, before giving one to your little one.) These oral electrolyte solutions are easiest to tolerate when served cold. Some brands also come as frozen pops. Sports drinks, juice and soda are not the same because they don’t contain the same specially formulated ratio of electrolytes.