Flu season is in full force, and children often suffer the full effects of this illness. Careful attention can help your child avoid some of the complications the flu can cause. Here is your guide to providing good care for your child as they overcome the flu. 

1. Provide medications for symptoms

The flu usually brings high fever, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, runny rose, cough, and headaches. Your child might not even feel like getting out of bed. You can help reduce the pain by using over-the-counter medications. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen help bring the fever down and reduce muscle aches.  

You can also use cough suppressants if your child's cough is preventing them from getting the rest they need. Be sure to read the labels and instructions on cough medications. Some are only suitable for children over age six, while others are okay for children over age four. Do not use cough medicines for younger children. 

2. Encourage rest

The flu generally takes the wind out of a person's sails, so children might be more inclined to rest anyway. However, sometimes medicines make a child feel like he or she is doing okay, so they want to go to school, play, and continue with their normal routine. Encourage them to rest. The flu is an illness that needs to be taken seriously because complications from the illness can be severe.

3. Prevent dehydration

Children with the flu might not feel like eating or drinking as usual. The most important concern is making sure your child is getting enough to drink. To encourage fluid intake, consider:

• giving them a warm cup of chamomile tea with honey
• using an electrolyte replacement fluid, like Pedialyte. 
• giving water whenever your child expresses the desire for something to drink
• providing popsicles or frozen fruit juice, which feel good for children with fevers and provide some energy and water

If you notice your child is not drinking, seems dry to the touch, is lethargic, and is not using the bathroom normally, take them to the hospital right away. Dehydration is a medical emergency.

4. Seek medical attention for any problems

Finally, parents always should be on the watch for flu complications. If your child's cough seems to get worse and not better, if their fever returns after improving, or if they have trouble breathing, seek medical help. Pneumonia, ear infections, and other problems can come from the flu virus, and you cannot treat them at home. Visit a medical clinic to get a doctor's help.