The holiday season, wedding season, vacation season—I’m a fan of all the seasons, except for one. It’s the dreaded cold and flu season that occurs from fall to early spring, and it lasts way longer than I would like. As a busy mom-of-two, it’s the one thing I frankly don’t have time for. I, unfortunately, caught the dreaded flu this year, along with my kids. And besides it bringing down the whole house, the part that gets me the most is seeing my kids being uncomfortable when they’re sick. Luckily, I had some cold and flu essentials for my kids ready to go in my med cabinet.
While we can’t completely wish the flu and all the colds that come our way away, there are things you can do to keep the illnesses at bay. Sometimes, a cold or the flu hits you out of nowhere, and being prepared for the hard impact an illness may bring upon your household is the best way to get through this season. As a seasoned mom and a pediatric nurse, I’ve assembled a list of cold and flu essentials for kids—mom and nurse approved. These are items that I always have on hand during the snottiest time of year. Plus, I’m sharing some tips and tricks to get you through flu season.
Editors note: This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, your physician or your child’s pediatrician.
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The difference between a cold and the flu
While both the cold and flu (influenza) are contagious, they’re not caused by the same viruses. A cold can be caused by a whole slew of different viruses, like rhinoviruses, and the flu is only caused by influenza viruses. The two can have similar symptoms; however, you generally feel worse if you have the flu. Here are common signs and symptoms that you or your children may have with a cold or flu. Please note that all symptoms listed may not occur with either illness.
Flu symptoms:
- Fever or chills (may not be present)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea (may not be present)
Cold symptoms:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Mild body aches
- Fever (may be low grade in older children)
How to prevent sickness in your home
Read on for a few tips and tricks to keep yourself and your family—especially those littles—healthy (in addition to getting the flu shot) and free from sickness during this cold and flu season.
How to correctly wash your hands
From coughing to stuffy noses to sneezing, the best thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs in your household is by having everyone regularly wash their hands. It’s important to note that a quick rinse under running water won’t do the trick, though. The active motion or friction that happens when washing is what gets all the dirt and germs off. So, teach kids to effectively wash their hands by scrubbing vigorously with soap and water for 20 seconds or by singing the “Happy Birthday” song two times in a row. If you haven’t sung the “Happy Birthday” song with a toddler, it’s a really cute sight to see. Don’t forget to wash the back of their hands, their wrists, between their fingers, the tips of their fingers, and under their fingernails, too.
How to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
There are some instances when soap and water aren’t available. In this case, I like to have alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hand when I’m out and about with my family. To use hand sanitizer correctly, squeeze the amount suggested on the label of your hand sanitizer onto the palms of your hands. Next, rub them together, covering all the surfaces of your hands until they’re fully dry.
Other important hygiene practices
Have you ever been a victim of a kid sneezing right in your face? I know I have a time or two… or three. I’ve actually lost count. It may take some patience to remind your child to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, but they’ll eventually make it a habit. To do this, have them sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow and away from the crowd.
Is there a cure for a cold or the flu?
Unfortunately, because the flu and common colds are caused by viruses, there isn’t a cure—it can’t be treated with antibiotics. While there are antiviral drugs available, like the medication Tamiflu, for those who have been exposed to the flu (influenza A and influenza B) or who have had symptoms for no longer than 48 hours, it works by “slowing the spread” of the virus and shortens the length of symptoms, not curing it.
At-home sickness remedies and comfort measures
When my kids are sick, it calls for an extra cuddle sesh, which is something I don’t mind. Fortunately, there are other things that can help, too. Over-the-counter solutions for symptom relief include pain relievers and fever reducers, like Motrin and Tylenol. A humidifier can help your LO sleep more comfortably at night. Other things, like staying hydrated with water and Pedialyte frozen popsicles, are go-tos in my household. I know popsicles hate to see a toddler coming. If you’re needing to stock up on cold and flu season essentials for kids, here are a few tried-and-true items to get you through the season, and through it if you’re currently battling the flu as we speak.
Cold and Flu Season Essentials for Kids
As a nurse, I stick with the digital thermometers, which are the most accurate when it comes to reading body temp. Frida Baby’s 3-in-1 digital thermometer can be used orally, under the arm, and rectally (although I’d have a separate labeled rectal thermometer). My favorite feature is its ability to store previous readings.
Next to a thermometer, this nasal aspirator is a top essential during the cold and flu season. Don’t ask me how many snot suckers I’ve tried, but I give this device a two-thumbs up for its hospital-grade suction capability. With three modes, I’m satisfied with the amount of sinus relief my kiddos get with its use. Plus, it’s portable, too.
And if you need something on hand to quickly get out nasal drainage, this tried-and-true parent-essential from Frida Baby manually clears out your LO’s stuffy nose.
Another great product to use when you need to loosen up your child’s snot. Pair this with the nasal aspirator and that’s the perfect combo to clear out a cute, little nose.
Say ‘bye-bye’ to snot boogies with these wet wipes. They’re easy to keep on the go and gentle on your little one’s skin, too.
Breathe easy and ensure everyone in your home gets a good night’s sleep with this cool mist air humidifier. Plus, with its top-fill feature, it’s so easy to clean. After trying multiple humidifiers, this one is my favorite.
Having a hard time getting your kiddo to drink fluids? There’s no fuss with this one. Keep your kids hydrated and happy by having freezer pops easily on hand.
Keep your kids hydrated with electrolytes and with something other than water. Choose from delicious flavors like strawberry, fruit punch, and grape.
For ages 2+, boost immunity and soothe a dry and scratchy throat with this delicious and sugar-free spray.
I like Children’s Motrin because it works fast to keep kids’ fevers down and their sore throats from hurting. If your kiddo is younger than 2, reach out to your pediatrician for dosing guidance.
Your little one won’t mind drinking the bubblegum flavor of Children’s Tylenol, and you’ll be relieved to know it reduces fevers in as little as 15 minutes. It’s a win-win for everyone.
This easy-to-use baby and kids’ oral syringe has a color-coded dial to get an accurate dose of medicine. It’s reusable and reliable.
Relieve the dry and irritated skin that may accompany the constant wiping of a runny nose. Your little one will thank you!
Skip the strong alcohol smell of other hand sanitizers and go for a lavender, vanilla blossom, or rainwater scent with these Touchland sprays. This is a cult-favorite product for a reason.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
Images in feature graphics linked within article.
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