Flu in Kids: Everything you need to know!

As the monsoon rain bathes the earth, the viruses in the air come alive, attacking those with a weak guard, making them sick, and chaining them to bed. Flu in kids is a common story during this season. 

Every year, my clinic gets stormed by worried parents seeking natural preventions and remedies for the flu. Because it’s nothing like the usual cold or cough that subsides in a day or two. It is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by a virus that worsens the condition by the minute. 

Fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and diarrhea are some of the common symptoms caused by flu. The list closely resembles the symptoms of COVID-19. And that makes flu the most frightful thing this season! 

Hence, I thought of writing a blog highlighting the key things every parent must know to prevent flu in kids.

Things Every Parent Must Know To Prevent Flu in Kids.

The first and foremost thing that I would like to tell every parent is this – ‘Stop the culture of giving antibiotics to the children every time they sneeze. Rather go for natural and home remedies to boost their immunity.’

I say this with complete conviction because studies proved that antibiotics treat the symptoms, not the disease. Here are three key findings that have marked the downfall of antibiotics. 1. Allergic reaction. 2. Side effects 3. Antibiotic – resistance.

Antibiotics wreak havoc on the gut flora of your child. They have both long-term and short-term side effects on the kid. The better option is always healing your child naturally!

I recommend these 9 simple Ayurvedic precautions to prevent flu in kids.

1. Avoid anything that’s cold. Always give warm and freshly prepared food to the kids.
2. Make them eat a healthy nutritious diet.
3. Maintain proper hygiene in and around the house. This is the time when flies and flu are all in the air. 
4. Make your kid wash their hands often and with warm water and soap; especially before and after eating. 
5. Limit their exposure to the virus by limiting their time outdoors. 
6. Make sure they don’t catch a cold from drenching in the rain.
7. Check that they are well-covered on cold nights.
8. Check your mattress and soak it in the sun. 
9. Focus on enhancing your child’s immunity.

Also Read: Natural Remedies to fight seasonal sickness

7 Natural ways to Boost your kid’s immunity  

1. The touch of massage

Ayurvedic massage bestows a number of benefits and immunity is one of them. Massage your kid’s body daily before bath or before bedtime. This is an effective Ayurvedic technique to boost your immunity!

It not only nourishes their skin but also detoxifies their system. Massage is one simple tip to strengthen immunity and fight chronic infections.

Take warm mustard oil with 2-3 garlic cloves and ajwain and rub it on the child’s feet, back, and chest.

Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Abhyanga

2. Oil helps

I often emphasize the importance of oiling the ear. It should be an integral part of the daily care routine. Natural oils like mustard or sesame lubricate the lymph nodes.

Oil pulling, swishing, and ingesting herbal oils are other ways of fighting bad microbes by increasing mucosal immunity. Using oil regularly also protects your child from the harmful pathogens causing flu and fever.

You can use coconut oil, sesame oil, or other essential oils for this purpose.

Also Read: Health benefits of oil pulling

3. Give them the golden spice

Turmeric, the golden spice is more valuable than gold! It’s because of the auspicious benefits it brings along. It is rich in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory in nature.

Turmeric contains the element curcumin, which is a potential cancer preventive. Add a pinch of turmeric to their milk or give them a paste of honey and turmeric to boost their immune system.

Also Read: Antiviral properties of turmeric milk

4. Splash some extra fluids

Hydration is essential. It is particularly important for immunity. Make sure your kid drinks enough water. Give them fruit juices and other fluids. You can also give them ORS for hydration.

Also Read: Drinking warm water before bed

5. Focus on the diet

Don’t let your child slip into the unhealthy diet category. As they grow and develop taste buds it might seem difficult to control their food choices. Encouraging a healthy diet in kids is very crucial for their growth, development, and immunity. 

6. Work them out

It is very important to make sure that your kid gets their daily dose of action. Run around the house, play a physical game, and ask them to join you in yoga or exercise. Don’t let them pass the days slouching on the couch glued to a gadget.

Also Read: Exercise in Children

7. Give them garlic

I know it’s difficult to convince them to chew on the pungent garlic cloves. But there is always a smart trick. Add it to your recipes and make sure that your body receives the goodness of garlic every day. It is one of the best natural immune boosters.

I also recommend giving the children Chyawanprash as a daily tonic. Chyawanprash is a multi-herbal concoction that works well in improving immunity and shielding the body against infections.

Also Read: Chyawanprush for your kids

Conclusion: Ayurvedic Doctor’s Pointers

Don’t crumple your kid’s immunity by overusing antibiotics. Rather protect the kid by taking proper precautions which are quite simple and easy. And give their immunity a chance to strangle the virus. Just make sure their immunity is strong enough!