Influenza, or the flu, is an infection caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Sometimes children also
experience vomiting and diarrhea with the flu. Most of the time, children recover well at home within a week or two. If your child is at a high risk of developing complications from influenza, call his doctor at the first sign of symptoms. Otherwise, use home remedies to treat his illness.Step 1
Keep your child's nasal passages moist. FamilyDoctor.org suggests using a humidifier to keep the air in your child's bedroom moist. Saline nasal spray or drops can also be used, as long as your child does not have asthma or any other breathing problems.
Step 2
Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. HealthSquare.com suggests broth, gelatin, water, juice and lemonade. This will help to thin nasal secretions and will keep your child hydrated.
Step 3
Allow your child to sleep or rest as much as possible. According to HealthSquare.org, your child should rest until is fever is gone, which may take three or four days.
Step 4
Give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed to reduce his fever and discomfort. These over-the-counter medications will not cure the flu, but they can make your child more comfortable.
Step 5
Contact your child's physician if you are worried, or if complications seem to be arising. KidsHealth.org lists the signs of these complications as a very high fever, the disappearance then sudden worsening of symptoms, confusion and trouble breathing.
Step 6
Prevent the illness from spreading. FamilyDoctor.org suggests washing your child's hands frequently, encouraging your child to cover his cough or sneeze, and wiping down household surfaces with an antibacterial or disinfecting solution.