08/19/2021
Good reference to have!
Did you know that mild cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza can all be treated the same way from home? 😷
Here are my TOP TEN at-home tips for the combination of cough, congestion, runny nose, poor appetite, and/or fever:
1. Remember that COVID-19, RSV, and the flu are all caused by viruses, just like the common cold. Antibiotics are not the answer because antibiotics only treat bacteria. 💊 In fact, using antibiotics for a virus can harm the recovery process and lead to antibiotic resistance. Most viral illness can be safely handled from home (with several exceptions listed in #10).
2. FEVERS are natural and safe in babies 3 months and up. 🔥 Babies less than 3 months need to be evaluated by a doctor for fever (defined as 100.4°F and above). Beyond this age, a fever is the body's way of ramping up the immune system to fight off infection. You only need to treat a fever if it’s making your child uncomfortable. Do not use aspirin. Get checked at your doctor's office for a true fever lasting longer than 4 days.
3. Otherwise, fever is not the enemy – dehydration and respiratory distress are the enemies! You know your child is staying hydrated if they are urinating at least every 8 hours. 🕞 Signs of respiratory distress include sucking in with each breath, panting, head-bobbing, grunting, turning blue, or flaring of the nostrils to breathe – all of these things would warrant medical attention ASAP.
4. Loss of appetite is common. It’s actually OK if your child refuses to eat SOLID food for several days, but they need to stay hydrated. 🍼 Give them whatever they are willing to drink as long as it is age-appropriate. Using sports drinks or Pedialyte for electrolyte replacement is a great idea. You could try popsicles, jello, and frozen juice cubes as well. Again, the goal is to urinate at LEAST every 8 hours.
5. For nasal congestion in babies and toddlers, use nasal saline drops and suction: Place a few drops into each nostril followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe or device such as NoseFrida – this is especially helpful before sleep and feeds. 😴 For nasal congestion in older children, have them gently blow their nose and stay hydrated. A bit of Vaseline along the outer nostrils may prevent the skin from getting chapped/sore.
6. At any age, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can be used to moisten the air. This may help to decrease cough and congestion. ☁ Do not worry about the color or consistency of your child’s mucus – the idea that green mucus is bad is a myth.
7. A sore throat paired with the cough and runny nose is likely viral and does NOT warrant testing for strep throat! Offer plenty of fluids, rest, and Tylenol/Motrin as needed for discomfort. For older kids, try gargling salt water.
8. Coughing protects the lungs from mucus build-up. 😁 Cough and cold medicines are NOT recommended in children under 6 years of age. Try half a teaspoon of honey for children ages 2-5 years or 1 teaspoon for kids ages 6 and above. Do not give honey to children less than 1 year old. Cough drops/lozenges are okay starting at 4 years and up.
9. Cough and congestion often last for weeks. HANG IN THERE. ⏳ Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer) as often as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve whenever you cough or sneeze (not your bare hand). Disinfect hard surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
10. Seek rapid medical care for any of the following 🚩 RED FLAG signs: Bulging soft spot, inconsolable crying, confusion, disorientation, stiff neck, seizures, difficult or rapid breathing, blue lips or nails, refusal to move an arm or leg, severe abdominal pain/swelling, dehydration, or simply looking very ill. Touch base with your pediatrician if your child has any complex medial condition such as heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, or kidney problems.
If your intuition is overall telling you that your child is really sick, please bring them in! If a child becomes sick enough to be hospitalized, there may be several other treatment modalities to consider.
Lastly, please know that many urgent care/emergency room centers are VERY overwhelmed with patients right now (ie, full of germs and long wait times). If your concern is not urgent or emergent, please schedule an office visit. Also, wear a mask.
