Every fall and winter, illness takes its toll on families and schools. The common cold and other viruses are often to blame, but family medicine specialists with OU Physicians stress these illnesses can often be cared for at home.

Kathryn Reilly, MD said parents want their children to feel better, but the right medicine often begins, not with a pill, but with plenty of fluids and a whole lot of rest instead.

“Some parents mistakenly think antibiotics are the answer,” she explained, “but antibiotics are not effective against viruses. What most children need is some good, old-fashioned tender loving care.”

Reilly offered some tips for caring for common winter-time ailments at home:

• Sore Throat
  • Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle with it
  • Honey can help coat the throat and make it feel better, but do not use in children under one year of age.
• Fever & Muscle Aches
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers help
  • Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully
• Sinus Pressure
  • Decongestants can help, but be cautious of products that also contain pain relievers if you have already given your child a pain reliever.
  • Avoid antihistamines. Though great for allergies, they won’t do much for a cold or virus.
• Vomiting
  • Give child nothing to eat or drink for several hours to help settle the stomach. (Rinsing the mouth is okay.)
  • Then introduce liquids gradually – clear liquids only and just an ounce at a time.
  • Avoid carbonated beverages, unless you stir out the bubbles first
  • Diluted sweet drinks like apple juice or sports drinks can be helpful.

Finally, Reilly added mom was probably right about that chicken soup. She said chicken soup is warm and a little salty, which both are soothing on the throat and warm liquids also help break up some of the congestion.

Dr. Reilly says while these tips probably won’t make children get better faster, they will likely help them feel a whole lot more comfortable while they do.