Essential Cold And Flu Remedies For Moms

The holiday season, wedding season, vacation season—I enjoy them all, except for one. The cold and flu season, spanning from fall to early spring, is the one I dread, lasting far longer than I prefer. As a busy mom of two, I truly don’t have time for this disruption. Beyond affecting everyone in the home, the hardest part is watching my kids suffer when they fall ill. While we can’t completely eliminate the flu and colds from our lives, we can take proactive steps to minimize the impact of these illnesses. Sometimes, a cold or the flu can strike unexpectedly, so being equipped to manage an illness when it arises is crucial. Thankfully, I’ve compiled a list of cold and flu season essentials for kids—items I always keep on hand as a busy mom—along with some personal tips and tricks to help you navigate this challenging season.

Distinguishing Between a Cold and the Flu

Although both colds and flu (influenza) are contagious, they stem from different viruses. Colds can be triggered by a variety of viruses, such as rhinoviruses, while the flu is exclusively caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can often overlap, but flu tends to feel more severe. Here’s a breakdown of the signs and symptoms your children or you might experience with each illness. Keep in mind that not every symptom has to occur for either condition.

Symptoms of the Flu:

• Fever or chills (you may not have this)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea (not always present)

Symptoms of a Cold:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Mild body aches
• Fever (may be low-grade in older children)

Ways to Prevent Sickness in Your Home

Check out a few tips and tricks to help keep you and your family—especially the little ones—healthy and illness-free during this cold and flu season.

Correct Handwashing Techniques

With coughing, sneezing, and stuffy noses around, the simplest yet most effective method to curb the spread of germs at home is to ensure everyone washes their hands frequently. It’s vital to remember that a quick rinse isn’t sufficient—it’s the friction created during washing that removes dirt and germs effectively. Teach children to scrub their hands thoroughly with soap and water for a full 20 seconds or encourage them to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. If you’ve ever witnessed a toddler sing “Happy Birthday,” it’s quite an adorable sight. Don’t forget to remind them to wash the backs of their hands, wrists, between fingers, tips of fingers, and under their fingernails as well.

Proper Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

There are times when soap and water aren’t available, and that’s when I keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy during outings with my family. To use it properly, dispense the recommended amount onto your palm and rub your hands together, ensuring all surfaces are covered until they are completely dry.

Other Essential Hygiene Habits

Have you ever experienced a child sneezing right in your face? I certainly have—countless times! Reminding your child to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze may require some patience, but with time, it will become second nature. Encourage them to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow, away from others.

Home Remedies for Illness and Comfort Strategies

When my kids are under the weather, extra cuddle time is a must, which I thoroughly enjoy. Along with those comforting moments, other methods can provide relief. Over-the-counter medications for managing symptoms, such as Motrin and Tylenol, can be useful. Additionally, a humidifier might help your little one sleep more easily at night. Keeping them hydrated with water and Pedialyte frozen popsicles are staples in my household—I know those popsicles are always eager for a toddler’s attention! If you’re looking to stock up on essentials for cold and flu season for children, here are several trusted items to ensure you are prepared.