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The flu represents a potential nightmare for any parent and child: however, what do you do when the seemingly inevitable happens?

After all, anywhere between 5% to 20% of the population will get the flu as per last year’s flu statistics. With flu season almost in full swing, you can take all of the precautions under the sun and still have your child fall ill.

Instead of assuming that the flu could never infiltrate your home, take the proactive steps to prepping your household for such illness and ensuring your child’s comfort and safety at the same time. Beyond going to the doctor and receiving the proper medication, the responsibility of making your child feel better is ultimately on your shoulders.

Ask yourself: are you doing everything in your power at home in case your child catches the flu? Whether you suspect your child may picked up the flu or might have something more serious than the common cold, keep the following tips in mind as you play the role of home doctor.

Sleep is the Best Medicine

The most important aspect of recovering from the flu, regardless of what treatments and medicines are prescribed to your child, is a good night’s sleep. It’s crucial that you quarantine your child to their bedroom to avoid the potential spread of any sickness and give them comfort, whilst also regularly checking on them throughout the day to avoid any feelings of isolation or loneliness.

That being said, most children with the flu tend to sleep intermittently throughout the day, so you need to do the best you can to ensure a quality sleeping space for your child. For example, consider the following as the absolute essentials:

Something to keep the sun out, such as bamboo blinds, to make sure that the sun doesn’t interrupt your child’s slumber during the day
A dehumidifier to encourage easier breathing and cleaner air quality
A bedside fan to ensure that your child doesn’t get too hot when running a high fever

The fewer potential disturbances to your child while they sleep, the better their recovery will be.

Fill Up on Fluids

Obviously you should provide your child with plenty of fluids, including any combination of water, sports drinks such as Gatorade and citrus juices with plenty of vitamin C. While whether or not milk increases mucus production is still a point for debate, it’s probably better just to go with any of the former to ensure that your child stays probably hydrated and their symptoms don’t’ become irritated.

Since illness can have an impact on your child’s appetite, you may get some strange requests as a result of their cravings. Regardless, hot meals such as condensed soups are always a safe bet if you’re on a budget.

Doctor’s Orders

You should have an open dialogue with your doctor’s office in case anything seems off in terms of your child’s treatment or recovery. Strive to stick with your doctor’s orders but also consider having additional pain relievers or medicines on deck for the sake of your child. Simply make sure that nothing you offer your child has adverse drug interactions with their prescription medication (a quick Google search or conversation with your child can help you figure this out).

Fighting the flu requires a lot of patience and attention on your part; however, your child’s health should always be your number one priority. Do everything in your power to make your child comfortable and hopefully their symptoms will be gone sooner rather than later.