How To Use Children's Cold Medicine

With new worries about the safety and effectiveness of children's cough and cold medicine surfacing, many parents are finding it very difficult to know what to do when their children are sick. If you are one of those parents, don't worry! There is still plenty that you can do to help your child through a cold.

1. Do not give cold medication to children six years old or under. Cold medications do not cure colds and can be extremely dangerous for children, as they have not been fully tested. Cough and cold medicine can cause breathing problems, chest infection, and heart problems in children.
2. Never administer adult medication to children. Adult medication is not made for children. Even in smaller amounts, it can be dangerous or even fatal.
3. Never mix medications. Whether you are giving the medication to your child or to yourself, don't mix medications.
4. Don't give antibiotics for a cold. Colds are caused by viruses and antibiotics will not help.
5. Have your child get a flu shot! Unless a flu shot is specifically not recommended for your child (ask your pediatrician), have your child receive a vaccination to prevent the flu.
6. Give children medicine for fevers or pain. It is safe to let children have acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are running a fever or are in pain. Make sure that you read the directions carefully and give your child only the recommended amount for his or her age and weight.
7. Add humidity to the air your child is breathing. You can use a vaporizer or humidifier to help your child breathe, or administer salt-water nose drops, available in drugstores.
8. Make sure your child eats well. Nutrition can definitely affect the immune system of children and adults, so limit the junk food and make sure your child is getting plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fluids are especially important when a child is sick.
9. Be patient. Trust your child's immune system to conquer the illness and make him or her comfortable while the illness lasts.
10. Take your child to the doctor if symptoms do not clear up. If your child has a high fever, has a fever for three days or more, or continues to be ill for over a week, take him or her to the pediatrician.

It's hard to watch your child suffering from the symptoms of a cold, but remember that children recover quickly. The best thing that you can do is to make sure your child is comfortable, getting plenty of fluids, and not going to school to share the virus!