abies are especially vulnerable to colds and flu during the winter months. But how can you tell the difference between the two illnesses? And what are the best ways to treat them? In this blog post, we'll explore these questions and provide tips for keeping your family healthy this winter.
Common Symptoms of Colds and Flu in Babies
Colds and flu share a lot of common symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. Generally speaking, colds tend to cause milder symptoms than the flu. Common symptoms of a cold in babies include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, congestion in the chest or throat, low-grade fever (less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit), sore throat, and watery eyes.
The flu often causes more severe symptoms such as high fever (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit), extreme fatigue and body aches, vomiting or diarrhea in some cases, wheezing or shortness of breath.
When To Take Your Baby To See A Doctor
If your baby is displaying any of these symptoms—or if you're concerned about their health—you should always take them to see a doctor. This is especially true with babies who are younger than 3 months old; they are at an even greater risk for complications from both colds and flu because their immune systems aren't fully developed yet.
Also take your baby to see a doctor if they have a high fever that lasts more than three days or if their breathing becomes labored or difficult at any point.
Treatment Options For Babies For Both Colds And Flu
The good news is that most cases of colds and flu can be treated with simple home remedies such as rest and fluids. However, if your baby's symptoms become more severe or persistent you may need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor if there is evidence of bacterial infection such as an ear infection or pneumonia.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) can be used to treat fever but should never be given without consulting with a doctor first; the same goes for decongestants which should not be given to children under 6 years old unless instructed by a physician.
For more information on the best medications for baby, you can refer to my blog:
Prevention Tips For Keeping Your Family Healthy During The Winter Months
It's important to take steps now to prevent your family from getting sick this winter season. Firstly it is important to ensure your baby is getting enough Vitamin D and Vitamin C. For a comprehensive guide on this you can read my blog
If, after you have read about the benefits of giving your baby vitamins, you'd like to find out more about which are the best vitamins to take, you can check out this guide:
Make sure everyone washes their hands regularly using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (I have a toddler that was born in lockdown and she is the best handwasher I ever met - I guess it's gonna be a common sign in the newest generation).
You should also avoid baby touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by others, whether they are sick or not.
Always be sure to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably with your elbow and avoid sharing cups/dishes/silverware with other people.
Try to help baby get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (or plenty of milk if they're not eating solids yet).
It's recommended that babies get annual vaccinations including those for influenza (flu), you can speak to your doctor about this for more information.
You may have to get tough with any family or friends that want tot visit that are showing signs of illness, limit close contact with people who have colds or other respiratory illness and avoid close contact with anyone who has recently been ill (especially small babies)
Finally, keep pets away from young children since animals can carry germs that could make them sick.
If you prefer to try home remedies before over-the-counter medications, I put together a blog with some helpful tips and advice:
Conclusion
Wintertime can bring on illnesses like colds and flu so it’s important for parents to know how best to recognize potential warning signs in order to seek out medical attention early on if needed.
It’s also essential for families to practice prevention methods like washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with people who are already ill, taking proper hygiene precautions when coughing/sneezing etc., getting annual vaccinations including those for influenza (flu), eating healthy foods such as fruits & vegetables etc.; all which will help keep your family healthier during the colder months ahead!
So bundle up everyone! Let’s fight off those pesky germs together!
