Coughs and colds are the usual ailments of children in the cold weather, but the surge in COVID-19 cases among children could alarm parents when their child suddenly exhibits symptoms.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association, ever since the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, a sudden surge in cases among children in the US was observed. There have been more than three million COVID-19 cases among children just at the start of 2022.
Out of the 11 million children in the United States who have had COVID-19, more than three million were linked to the new variant. Children make up almost 19 percent of all cases in the United States. Omicron has been recognized as highly contagious; thus, many people quickly get the virus. Fret not, however, as according to Dr. Mona Patel of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, there are possible ways to help your children when they catch coughs and colds.
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Here are 5 Things To Do if Your Child Develops Symptoms:
1. Use a cool-mist humidifier
When a person catches the virus, usually, a cold starts to develop. However, the constant postnasal drip will worsen the cough and create extremely uncomfortable congestion. The discomfort is even more intense with children, particularly during naps and nighttime. A cool-mist humidifier will help keep nasal passages clear as it moistens the air and reduces your child's postnasal drips coughing.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Always remember to give plenty of liquids to your child. Water and juice can help ease the dryness or that ticklish feeling in your child's throat. Even decaffeinated tea is okay. This technique will also lessen the ticklish feeling that triggers a child's coughing and wheezing. It is a bit of a misconception that children must avoid anything cold when they have a cough. According to Dr. Patel, for children who dislike the drinks you give, try a popsicle.
3. Coat the throat with honey
If your child is two years old and above, you may try and give a spoonful of honey. One tablespoon of honey before your child goes to bed can help alleviate the dry or sore feeling by coating the throat. Plus, honey has a lot of antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Try nasal saline sprays
Younger kids may not know how to blow their noses yet. Parents may try nasal saline sprays to loosen and clear nasal passages. Use a bulb aspirator along with the saline spray to suction the child's runny nose.
5. Lower fever with meds
Children who have coughs and colds may have a fever along with it. Parents may give them pediatric Tylenol or ibuprofen to help lower their fever and ease their discomfort. Make sure to consult your doctor about which is best for your child.
If you have them tested, you can only confirm if your child's symptoms are due to COVID-19. According to Seattle's Children Hospital, if your child's condition does not improve, has labored breathing, long-term coughing, wheezing, turns bluish, and has weight loss, consult your pediatrician and seek medical care.
