Cold and Flu Home-care checklist
Before the checklist let me give a little update on my sick little boy first: Yesterday afternoon I got worried when he doesn’t look well again. He even vomited the snack we had but the good side he was able to spit out the phlegm. The vomiting happened once only and I think his excessive coughing triggered him to vomit. As of now, he’s a lot better already and had a good sleep. I guess he’s recovering and hopefully can go to school later. And with all this sickness, it lead me to read articles on health tips and even read other health insurance program such as social security disability, etc. , which eventually made me think about medical card that I don’t have yet… well, I guess need to tackle that next year.
Anyway onto the topic, I would like to share this cold and flu home-care checklist. I got this from my reading yesterday and such a nice guide to help ease symptoms if a sick day strike back…
• Saline nasal wash, to moisten nasal passages so kids can easily blow their nose. I’m actually using the Salinase drops which I always have on our medicine kit.
• Chicken soup, to maintain hydration and help reduce congestion. Drinking a lot of water is a good one too. I let Migs have that water therapy. In fact I have a timer for him. 
• Cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer.
• Herbal tea, the hot liquid will help soothe a sore or irritated throat and help relieve congestion
• Eucalyptus oil. As a decongestant, rub a tablespoon or small handful of massage oil mixed with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil on your child’s chest, suggests Lawrence Rosen, MD, a pediatrician who specializes in integrative medicine. Or put five drops of the eucalyptus oil into a bowl of warm water for a fragrant and soothing aromatherapy experience. I’ve done this last weekend. Using a Eucalyptus essence, I put a small amount on cotton balls, pin on the curtain and yes a nice soothing aromatherapy inside our room. However, the husband doesn’t like the scent. I don’t know with him, hahaha..
• Tissue, teach kids to blow and also show them how to throw away dirt tissues into a waste basket, and remind them to thoroughly wash hands afterward.
• Suction bulb, for kids who can’t blow easily. I’ve made use of this last week.
• Honey, to relieve cough (1/2 tsp for kids ages 2 to 5; 1 tsp for kids ages 6-11; and 2 tsp for kids ages 12-18) Note: Don’t give honey to kids younger that 1.
• Fever reducer for kids. I have paracetamol handy always.
• Vitamin-C rich foods such as oranges, broccoli. Vitamin C is a cell-protecting antioxidant and an immune booster, so as part of good nutrition, feed your kids these foods as part of a balanced diet.
Also added to the list above is a lot of patience to all of us mommies. I know how hard for us to see our little kids suffering from illness and our love and care for them is what they needed most…
