I found lots of advice from About Pediatrics that helped me care for my child while she was sick. I've also learned from my own doctor, mom, and other parents some practical ways to ease my child's suffering when she's sick.
Fever
High fever is common in children and very scary for parents. Loose cotton clothes, acetaminophen, and complete rest are my first actions when fever gets high. I have used the tactic of alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen every two hours when advised by my physician for a seriously high fever. About Pediatrics gives more advice for coping with fever.
Vomiting
A frequent dilemma with the child's high fever is vomiting that prevents the fever reducing medication from doing its job. Acetaminophen suppositories can be kept in the refrigerator for just such emergencies. Bring the fever down with a suppository and the vomiting often eases. Occasionally doctors will prescribe a Phenergan suppository for very serious vomiting in a child.
Dehydration
Fluids are the second recommendation you always hear for viral infections. They are important for easing upper respiratory symptoms as well as for critical rehydration during diarrhea and vomiting. Keep Pedialyte on hand for times when your child experiences diarrhea and vomiting with fever. To ease congestion and coughing, carefully use a big steamy pot of water or turn on all of the hot water in a small bathroom. Frozen juice feels great on a sore throat; and, water and ice should be at hand for continuous drinking. When noses get dry and sore, a bit of pure petroleum jelly will protect them. About Pediatrics also suggests using saline nose sprays and cool mist humidifiers.
I always say that the best way to survive a virus is to sleep through it. Make your child comfortable and let him sleep as much as possible. Keep his door open and the house quiet. You'll want to check on him to make sure the sheets are dry and to gauge his fever and breathing. Try the Breathe Right strips to keep nasal passages open a bit; place a cleaned, cool mist humidifier nearby, and a glass of water for when he awakens.
Simple foods are of course the best when your child is beginning to recover. My kids say they must have old fashioned canned chicken noodle soup and crackers when they are sick. Warm honey, lemon, and water will ease a sore throat. In her article on Cold Remedies that Work Prevention's Julie A. Evans suggests steeping cinnamon in water and then adding the honey and lemon.
For more information on caring for your sick child, visit About Pediatrics' Dr. Vincent Iannelli. Take care!