Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) or diseases (ARI) are probably familiar to each of us. If your child has a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever - be sure to see a doctor to prevent complications!
Do not bring down the fever if the child tolerates it well.
A decrease in temperature does not affect the cause of the disease. On the contrary, an increased temperature is a protective reaction of the body, it prevents the multiplication of viruses and bacteria and stimulates the production of antibodies. Therefore, if the temperature does not exceed 38, 5 degrees, and the child does not complain about anything, it is advisable not to knock it down. The exception is children who do not react well to fever, for example, with convulsions, with heart and central nervous system defects, and metabolic disorders.
Do not get carried away with antipyretic and pain relievers. Remember, they do not treat the cause of the disease and can hide the symptoms of complications.
Reduce body temperature by rubbing with water at room temperature or by placing a damp towel on your forehead.
Do not wrap your child at a temperature - this can worsen his condition. Clothing that is too warm leads to impaired heat transfer and an even greater increase in body temperature. Dress the child loosely and lightly, regularly ventilate his room (in his absence). The optimum room temperature is 20-22 degrees.
Do not force your child to spend all the time in bed if he is alert and active enough. See how he feels.
Do not take your medications uncontrollably.
For example, you cannot take antibiotics for any ARI. After all, most of these diseases are caused by viruses that antibiotics simply do not work on. And taking antibiotics to prevent the development of bacterial complications can lead to a negative result, since the beneficial microflora in the body can be destroyed. Only a doctor can diagnose a bacterial complication, penicillins (for example, Amoxicillin) are most often used for treatment, but Biseptol is practically not used anymore, bacteria have already developed resistance to it.
Do not get carried away with vasoconstrictor medicines for the common cold (such as naphthyzine, nasivin, otrivin). They can be used no longer than 3-4 days, otherwise addiction and even an increase in the common cold may occur. Rinse your nose more often with saline solutions or products such as Saline and Aquamaris.
Use medicinal herbs with caution in children, especially if the child is prone to allergies.
Do not give cough suppressants unnecessarily. A cough is a defense reaction of the body to remove viruses and bacteria from the respiratory tract, and its suppression does not lead to recovery, but, on the contrary, prevents the rejection of sputum. Most often, for acute respiratory viral infections, mucolytic - sputum-thinning - agents (for example, bromhexine) are used, but their use should be prescribed by a doctor.
Don't force-feed your baby. Poor appetite is a sign that all the body's resources are devoted to fighting infection, and not to digesting food. It is better to give your child more warm liquid. And food should be made liquid or semi-liquid.
Be patient. SARS cannot be cured instantly, but applying these simple tips, you will help the child's body to cope with the disease faster.
