Well here we are in cold and flu season. These terms can be confusing to say the least. The common cold still has no cure for it although there is news that the cure has been discovered. It will be roughly ten years from now before they have any kind of medicine on the market to save ourselves from the nasty symptoms that accompany this nasty cold. Until then, we treat the symptoms the best that we can.

The flu can come in a variety of types. There is the flu that will have vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps with or without a fever. There is the flu that has no stomach problems but will make you feel like every bone in your body is breaking, cough, fever, muscle aches, the works. Again, we treat the symptoms.

This by no means is a medical article and I am by no means qualified to talk about how to treat these illnesses or their symptoms. All I can do is make suggestions on how to make your son feel better during this time. By all means, it is completely necessary to visit your health care professional when running a fever or losing fluids such in vomiting and diarrhea. There is a real and dangerous concern from becoming dehydrated and affecting the kidneys, heart and other vital organs.

Let us soothe the little one’s aches and pains. A tepid bath can be good for reducing the fever as well as bring comfort to body aches and pains. If he is a toddler, then a lot of cuddling and rocking could be in store for you in the next couple of days. Let him sleep when he wants to sleep and eat what he cares to eat. Fluids are a must no matter what the illness is. This will help the medicine work better, flush the illness out of the system, and keep the body hydrated.

If our young man is elementary school age, I suggest a TV. a remote, coloring books and a fresh box of crayons. Cuddling to encourage a rest time and a nap would be a good idea.
The middle school boy will usually have no problem in sleeping all on his own. They need this rest and it will not hurt him at all. This young man will be harder to keep down until he is completely well. They usually think they are missing something if they are not out and about with their friends.
The young man in high school will usually give you a harder time in taking care of himself. They are more concerned with a test they have to take, hours at their job being lost, and an important date they have been trying to get for a month. You might even have to use that forceful mother voice in order to get him to lie down and give up the running for a few days.

As the flu and colds seem to leave and your son seems to get better, one has to remember that he is not completely better and is weak which means his resistance is low. He will be opening the gates for another cold or flu to attack him if he doesn’t take it easy during his recuperation.

As a mother of three boys in their 20s, I can tell you that no matter how young or old they are, when they are sick, they still want Mommy in some capacity. Your expertise comes in handy going to the store and getting medicine, fixing the correct jello and soup, finding the remote from the couch cushions, and plumping up pillows. Remember, the key to soothing is touch. Hugs, cuddling, brushing hair away from his eyes, stroking his arm, are all soothing touches to the human soul. There is nothing better and more comforting than someone who loves you touching you when you are not feeling well.

As mothers, you know what is best for your son. You know what he likes, what he needs, what he will eat and not eat and ultimately what to do for him. Below are links to various medical sites that will talk about the flu and cold and their symptoms.

These are great sites about common colds in children. It talks about signs and symptoms as well as when it is time to see the doctor.

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/WELCOME/infectionsguide/commoncold.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cold.html
http://www.kidsource.com/health/the.common.cold.html

The sites below are all sites containing information about the flu and children.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/children-and-flu-influenza
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/flu.html
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/50/51.cfm

Each one of these sites has pertinent information about your child’s well being and comfort.

Remember, some of us have been raised with old wives’ tales. Checking out these web sites will give you clear information about colds, influenza, and how you can make your child better.