4 Tips to Help Your Little One Recover From a Cold/Flu Fast {Giveaway}

We are in the middle of the dreaded cold and flu season still and so many of our friends are sick right now. Prevention is always key but sometimes no matter what you do catching the cold/flu is inevitable! Is your little one sick right now? Here are 4 simple things you can do to help them stay comfortable and recover fast:

• Get a humidifier for their room 

A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. Breathing in moist air can significantly help sooth the irritated tissue. Use a humidifier in your child’s room to help reduce congestion.  Don’t have one? Then take your little one to the bathroom, close the door, turn the hot water on the shower and allow it to run while you sit close to the tub. Breathing in the steam from the shower will help thin out any mucus and also reduce inflammation.

• Use a Nasal Aspirator

Use a Nasal Aspirator or snotsucker to gently remove mucus from their nose. It may sound gross but it is actually very hygienic and safe. I have used it many times and it really provides fast relief for them. These are great with really young babies who don’t know how to blow their own nose yet.

• Use a nasal saline spray

Just a few drops of a saline solution in each nostril will help clear and moisturize nasal passages. You can find these at your local drug store or you can even make it yourself as well.  These saline solutions also help thining the mucus, which in turn will help decrease the inflammation of their blood vessels.

• Keep them Hydrated

Keep your little one hydrated with water, tea, soup and natural juices. If they are younger then ensure you are breastfeeding them often or offering enough water. Hydration is very important when you are sick, staying hydrated helps thinning the mucus, reducing pressure in their sinuses and pushing the fluids out of their nose.

Finally, don’t forget to get the flu vaccine, prevention is key! You can get your vaccination at your local Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy.