How to help?

Question

My 4 year old daughter haas just been diagnosed with the flu. We already took her to the doctor. Any ways or home remedies to help her recover from the flu faster or to feel more comfortable. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Get some rest! You shouldn't have much trouble following this advice, since you're probably too sick to do much else. Bed rest is essential, says Dr. Imperato, because it lets your body put its energy into combating the flu infection. Being active while you're still quite ill weakens your defenses and leaves you open to possible complications.

Drink up. Liquids are especially important if you have a fever because dehydration can occur. In addition, fluids can provide needed nutrients when you're too sick to eat. Thin soups are good, as are fruit and vegetable juices. Nutrition counselor Eleonore Blaurock-Busch, Ph.D., president of Trace Minerals International in Boulder, Colorado, favors beet juice and carrot juice, both of which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Jay Swedberg, M.D., an associate professor of family practice at the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, recommends that you dilute fruit juice half and half with water. "A little sugar provides necessary glucose, but too much can cause diarrhea when you're ill," he says. "Also dilute ginger ale and other sugar-sweetened soft drinks. And allow them to go flat before drinking because their bubbles can create gas in the stomach and make you more nauseated."

Reach for pain relief. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can reduce the fever, headache, and body aches that so often accompany the flu. Take two tablets every 4 hours, says Virginia corporate-health consultant Donald Vickery, M.D., an assistant clinical professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Because symptoms are often most pronounced in the afternoon and evening, he says, take the medication regularly over this period.

Do not give aspirin to children. Be sure not to give aspirin or medications that contain aspirin to anyone under 21 who has the flu, says epidemiologist Suzanne Gaventa of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Studies have shown that aspirin increases a flu-stricken child's risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening neurological illness. Give children acetaminophen as directed by your doctor.

Think twice about other drugs. Over-the-counter cold medicines might give you some temporary relief of symptoms, says Dr. Imperato. Those with antihistamines, for instance, can dry up a runny nose. But be careful—these drugs may suppress your symptoms to the point where you have a false sense of recovering. Prematurely resuming your normal activities can bring on a relapse or trigger serious complications.

Gargle with salt water. A sore or scratchy throat is apt to accompany the flu. Get some relief—and wash out any secretions that are collecting in your throat—by gargling with a salt-water solution, says Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, nurse clinician Mary Ann Pane, R.N. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 pint of warm water. This concentration approximates the pH level of body tissues and is very soothing, she says. Use as often as needed, but try not to swallow the liquid because it's so high in sodium.

Do something sweet. Sucking on hard candy and lozenges can also keep your throat moist so it will feel better, says Pane. In addition, these products contain calories that your body can use at a time when you're probably not eating much.

Humidify the air. Raising the humidity of your bedroom will help reduce the discomfort of a cough, sore throat, or dry nasal passages. "A humidifier or vaporizer may also be helpful if there is chest congestion or nasal stuffiness," says Calvin Thrash, M.D., founder of Uchee Pines Institute, a nonprofit health education facility in Seale, Alabama.

Pamper your nose. If you've been blowing your nose a lot, it's probably pretty sore. So lubricate your nostrils frequently to decrease irritation, says Pane. A product such as K-Y Jelly is preferable to petroleum jelly, which dries out quickly.

Take some heat. One characteristic of the flu is tired, achy muscles. Warm them and ease their pain with a heating pad, says Pane.

Warm your feet. Soaking your feet in hot water may help if you have a headache or nasal congestion, says Dr. Thrash.

Breathe fresh air. Make sure your sickroom has a good supply of fresh air at all times, says Dr. Thrash. But avoid a draft. And prevent chills by using warm, close-fitting bedclothes.

Get rubbed the right way. A back rub may help activate the immune system to fight the flu, says Dr. Thrash. And it's very comforting.

Eat lightly and wisely. During the worst phase of the flu, you probably won't have an appetite at all. But when you're ready to make the transition from liquids to more substantial fare, put the emphasis on bland, starchy foods, says Dr. Swedberg. "Dry toast is fine. So are bananas, applesauce, cottage cheese, boiled rice, rice pudding, cooked cereal, and baked potatoes, which can be topped with yogurt." For a refreshing dessert, peel and freeze very ripe bananas, then puree them in a food processor.

Answer 2

1. Give her plenty of time to rest
2. Distract her when she is awake
3. Rent some movies she really likes to make it go by faster
4. If it isnt the stomach flu, keep her well fed; Give her lots of juice and water, calcium and other vitiman supplements. There are herbal remedies at your local TARGET you could also by.
5. If it gets worse, talk to your doctor.
6. Taking a nice hot bath and drinking hot chocolate will warm her up.

I hope she feels better

Answer 3

plenty of fluids,,,,, warm weak tea with a little sugar in it,,,,,,, apple juice,,,,,,, flat soda,,, (stir it or shake it to get the fizz out) stay way from things that can irritate the stomach and throat, such as orange juice, kool aid (it has alot of dye),,,,,,, if she has an upset stomach,,,, let her eat crackers,,,,, have soup, toast etc, soft mild foods,,,,,,
a cool vapor humidifier is good,,,,,, most of all, love and attention will help her feel cared for,,,,,,

Answer 4

Warm a can of Pepsi (regular) add some salt and let her drink it. She should recover the next day.

Answer 5

let her sleep under an extra blanket
lots of thee and water (nothing else)


" sweating" the flu out works great

Answer 6

chicken chicken soup, juice, jello, good cartoons, and tender loving care, and pop cycles.

Answer 7

go to the hospital they will take care of her how long did she have it