Remedies For A Winter Cold
Winter colds are a common occurrence at this time of the year.
Firstly, it’s important to stress that children usually bounce back from a cold relatively quickly, and can be cared for at home.
With that being said, it’s best to be watchful for any of the following symptoms:
- an increase in body temperature (37.5°C or higher)
- blotchy or rashy skin
- cold hands or feet
- difficulty breathing
- signs of dehydration (like passing less urine)
Otherwise, treating a cold is mostly about keeping your child comfortable and hydrated. Ibuprofen and paracetamol can help, and drinking lots of fluids will avoid any danger of dehydration.
![Screenshot 2023-11-16 114216 Screenshot 2023-11-16 114216](https://childhealthy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2023-11-16-114216.jpg)
Whilst nearly every family I’ve met has their own theories about how best to treat a cold, most non-medical solutions have little to no evidence of being effective. That includes garlic, extra vitamin C, humidifiers and antibiotics.
Dr Yiannis’ tip: Intriguingly, one of the few “home remedies” that has been shown to work is a spoonful of honey before bed, which can help to alleviate a cough. But don’t use this if your child is under 1 year old.
Read more about managing winter illness here.
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