what to feed your kid with the 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 can I give my Child to help with a cold?

If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great if kids are lying down), get one of those too. honey (if your child is older than a year) and cough drops (if your child is at least preschool age)

Can I give my Child Tamiflu for the flu?

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. Learn when to call the doctor and when to visit the ER for the flu. You can also learn when your child should take Tamiflu to relieve symptoms.

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 are good for fighting 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 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...•

Are bananas 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 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 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.

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...

What foods boost immune system?

15 Foods That Boost the Immune SystemCitrus fruits.Red bell peppers.Broccoli.Garlic.Ginger.Spinach.Yogurt.Almonds.More items...

How do you get rid of a cold in 24 hours?

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

What to drink when you're sick?

Water is the best fluid to drink when you have a cold or flu as it helps lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat....Other fluids which are good options during cold and flu infection include:Juice;Ginger ale;Herbal tea;Honey and lemon tea – mix lemon and honey with a cup of hot water;Broth;Ginger tea.

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 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 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.

What is the purpose of food in the body?

Food is what gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to function . Such effects are equally vital when you have the flu. Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition.

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.

Why are fluids important?

Not only are fluids important for your body functions in general, but they can also help break up congestion and stave off infections.

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 old should a child be to drink fluids?

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

What to give a child for the flu?

There are a few things that make getting through the flu easier, including: fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great ...

How to help a child with the flu?

There are a few things that make getting through the flu easier, including: 1 acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and aches 2 a reliable thermometer, if you don’t have one 3 hand sanitizer (buy a few to keep all over the house) 4 tissues 5 fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great if kids are lying down), get one of those too. 6 honey (if your child is older than a year) and cough drops (if your child is at least preschool age) 7 saline nose drops 8 a humidifier, if you don’t have one 9 simple foods like noodle soups, rice, crackers, bread for toast.

How to tell if you have the flu or the cold?

The flu is different from the common cold, but it’s not always easy to tell them apart, especially at the beginning. The flu usually comes on suddenly, and its symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, feeling tired, and generally just feeling rotten. Some people have vomiting and/or diarrhea, too.

What to give a toddler for sore throat?

fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great if kids are lying down), get one of those too.

What to give a child that is older than a year?

honey (if your child is older than a year) and cough drops (if your child is at least preschool age)

How to keep your child from getting sick?

Besides keeping your child home (and staying home yourself if you catch it), there are other things you can do, such as: make sure everyone in the house washes their hands frequently (that’s where the hand sanitizer all over the house comes in handy)

What to do if your child has a fever?

Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if your child has: a high fever (102° F or higher) that won’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or a new fever after your child seemed to be getting better. any trouble breathing. severe pain of any kind.

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.

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.

How long can you be fever free?

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