Wee flu fighters

When it comes to treating our children for the cold and flu, it’s difficult to know what’s okay and what isn’t
Dec. 27, 2010 | By:

As soon as the temperature dips and we start spending more time indoors, cold and flu viruses multiply. Parents are always quick to discuss treatment for illness but the best way to deal with a virus is to practice good preventative techniques.

“Hand washing is the most crucial way to prevent a virus from spreading,” says Mark Dragich, a pharmacist and owner of a Richmond Hill-based Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy.  He also recommends getting the flu shot each year. While it’s not 100 per cent effective, it will protect your child from the most popular virus strains.

When children do fall ill, rest, fluid and humidity are the first things they need. A hydrated body provides a better environment to fight illness and keeping the mucous membrane well lubricated can help with a cough. “Humid air helps with breathing,” says Dragich who suggests investing in a cold or warm mist humidifier and using it for the duration of any illness.

Medical aids

When it comes to medicine, things become a little trickier. New labeling came into effect in Fall 2009 that prevents the use of cough and cold medication in any child under age six. Studies for these drugs have only been done on adults and new research questions the benefits of certain ingredients such as antihistamine, antitussive, decongestants and expectorants. There is evidence that these ingredients could also cause negative side effects in some children, and there is a risk of overdose by well-meaning parents.

“When it comes to a runny nose and cough, some parents are quick to give a double dose thinking the results will be twice as good,” says Dragich. There are a few rare cases where children under six can use cough and cold medications but this is only in severe cases when a doctor has made the recommendation.

So what can parents use?

“It’s important to remember that medicines don’t cure colds and flu, they only deal with the symptoms,” says Dragich.

When it comes to cough and runny nose, there’s very little a parent can do but let nature run its course.

Saline solution and suction devices can provide some relief for congestion and can be used from birth. Children over age three can use throat lozenges to help provide a moist environment for the mouth. Since there is a choking risk with any hard candy, Dragich recommends buying lozenges on a stick.

Some parents also find that Vicks Vaporub can provide soothing relief and the baby formulation can be used as early as from three months. Recent studies show that Vicks can actually increase mucus production, but when used as recommended it is safe. “Use a small amount if your child has never used Vicks Vaporub before,” says Dragich. Vicks hot spots include the chest, soles of feet and even on clothes. “Never use it on or near the nose where there is a risk of inhaling it.”

When it comes to treating aches and fever there are more options. Children can use acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol or Tempra) or ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil or Motrin). Both treat aches, pains and fevers, but ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory. “Because they are different medications, they can be used together when a fever is particularly difficult to break,” says Dragich. If you have any doubt as to dosage contact your doctor or a pharmacist.