Other ways to help your child

Of course, you know that teaching your child to wash his or her hands is the single most effective way of preventing the transmission of germs. Making sure you wash your own hands after helping your child blow his nose is also important.

If your child has caught a cold and is feeling miserable, tucking her up in bed and making sure you pay her a lot of attention works  wonders. A cool mist humidifier will help to ease the breathing and make your child feel more comfortable. Frozen juice bars can help soothe a sore throat and help keep him hydrated. Feeling bad can often suppress the appetite, so make sure your little one has lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. (Replacing fluids is particularly important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea.) It is not necessary that he eats if he doesn’t feel up to it.

Since many children feel isolated when in their bedrooms, it is a good idea to tuck a sick child up where you are working in the house. This way, she can see you and feel comforted. (Try not to excite your child too much as sleep is the best way for her to regain her strength.) Finally, be sure to call your child’s doctor or pediatrician if you are concerned about his condition, or if a fever persists for longer than three days. You should always contact a health professional if your baby has a fever and is under six months old.