The weather is beginning to get cold and now your child has a cold. It’s a cycle we face every season. And while we can’t control changes in weather, we can better prepare for everything that comes with it.

When it comes to illness, not everything requires a doctor’s visit. Here, we cover home remedies — what they are, if and how they work, when to call the doctor and ways to boost your child’s immunity to better prepare for sick season.

Navigating cold and flu season

The season typically starts in the fall and lasts through the spring, though you can catch a cold or get the flu at any time during the year.

“Cold and flu season is tough because we see these respiratory illnesses at much higher rates.” Calli Brody, PA-C, MPAS explains.

Fortunately, much of what you’ll need to care for these illnesses you may already have at home.

What are home remedies?

Home remedies are just as they sound — treatments made from everyday ingredients that many people have at home that are used to treat minor illnesses or relieve common symptoms. They can include different things such as over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), honey, humidifiers, suction and more. Pay careful attention as the appropriate home remedies do vary by age.

Do home remedies work?

In short — yes, they can.

There are no magic formulas that will instantly cure a cold or the flu, but home remedies can certainly help prepare the body to be better equipped to fight off an illness, alleviate its symptoms and lessen the severity of a cold or flu.

The point of home remedies is to help your child feel more comfortable, support their body while it fights an illness and works to get healthy again. The type of remedies, and their effectiveness, vary by age. For example, with babies and infants the most common home remedy is saline and suction, because at this age they are obligate nose breathers. In other words, babies and infants mainly breathe out of their nose, which means they can have a hard time breathing when their nose is congested. Since infants and babies can’t blow their nose on their own, one of the most helpful remedies is treating their congestion with saline to loosen mucus and suction to help clear nasal passages.

For older children and toddlers, around 2 or 3, we can begin to teach them how to blow their nose and move away from saline and suction.

Are there ways to dramatically shorten a traditional cold?

“I wish,” Brody jokes. “Not to my knowledge, but I think somebody will be a hero in parents’ eyes one day if they figure out how to. For viral illnesses, we all wish there was a way to snap our fingers and make them go away, but often it’s the body that must overcome it,” says Brody

“One caveat is treating influenza. I’m sure many parents and caregivers have heard of oseltamivir phosphate (also known as Tamiflu). Tamiflu has been shown that it may modestly shorten the course of the flu if given close enough to onset. However, for some kids Tamiflu can have side effects. In many cases, an otherwise healthy child may do better without medication. Of course, there are exceptions to this based on a patient’s medical history. Often, this choice is made through shared decision making between a provider and the family,” Brody notates.

While there may not be a way to shorten a cold or flu illness, thankfully there are ways to help keep our bodies more ready to handle being sick and limit the impact on us.

Precautions and preventions

From a preventative standpoint, it’s important to maintain good hand hygiene at all times. Also, try to avoid family and friends who might be sick, and don't share food and drinks with others.

If you or your child is not feeling well, do your best to remove yourselves from settings where you could expose others. Not only does each individual need time to heal and get better, but staying home when sick can help avoid an illness circulating through schools, daycares and work environments. We know it’s not always possible, but when you’re able to – stay home.

During certain seasons or while traveling, there is an inevitable heightened risk. We always recommend getting your flu shot and staying up to date with vaccines. It’s our own responsibility to take care of ourselves.

Cold season contributors

The drop in temperature is only the start. The colder weather pushes us to spend more time indoors. Being indoors puts us closer in contact with each other. When we’re outside, we’re able to spread apart and breathe fresher air. More intimate settings prevent us from having the space we need to keep a safer distance. Again, clean hand hygiene is extra important this time of year.

What to focus on first when your child gets sick

First thing’s first: Evaluate how sick your child is. Is this something families can manage at home? Is this something we need to call our pediatrician about to see if we’re able to manage symptoms at home? If your pediatrician isn’t available, you can always reach out to Children’s Hospital Colorado ParentSmart Healthline™️ where pediatric nurses can answer questions about your child’s health 24 hours a day.

Once connected, you’ll explain your child’s symptoms, and experts will provide helpful advice on whether they believe you can manage your child’s illness at home or if you need to seek further care.

What home remedies actually work?

If your child gets sick, there are several items you either already have at home, or you can stock up on this cold and flu season just in case.

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for children 6 months and older can temporarily relieve minor aches, reduces inflammation and lowers fevers.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains.
• Saline drops and suction bulbs can help clear an infant’s stuffy nose.
• Humidifiers can be really helpful with congestion. Just make sure to keep them clean!
• Thermometers help you monitor fever during the course of an illness.
• Tissues, lozenges (for older children with a cough or sore throat), honey (for one year and older), liquids and a comfortable set up for rest and recovery.

Being prepared is key. Having these items already at home can help relieve your child’s symptoms quickly.

There are many over the counter cough and cold medications; but be careful as many are not recommended for young children. Always check with your pediatrician before giving any of these medicines to ensure they’re safe for your child’s age. Other home remedies that claim to shorten or cure a cold aren’t really effective and should be used with caution.

How can I help boost my child’s immunity?

Healthy habits can help support your child’s immune system and overall health. While no one can prevent every cold, flu or other illness, these routines can help keep your child healthy and better prepared when illness strikes:

• Nutrition. A good, healthy diet is super helpful. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables and maintain a good balanced diet.
• Sleep. Be sure your child is getting their recommended amount of sleep:
  • Newborns (0-3 months): 14 to 17 hours per day.
  • Infants (4-12 months): 12 to 16 hours per day.
  • Toddlers (1-2 years): 11 to 14 hours per day.
  • Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10 to 13 hours per day.
  • School age children (6-12 years): 9 to 12 hours per night.
  • Teens (13-18): 8 to 10 hours per night.
• Hydration. Hydration is key in keeping our bodies healthy:
  • Under 6 months: no extra water per day.
  • 6 to 12 months: 4 to 8 ounces per day.
  • 1 to 3 years: 4 cups per day.
  • 4 to 8 years: 5 cups per day.
  • 9 to 13: 7 to 8 cups per day.
  • 14 to 18: 8 to 10 cups per day.
• Exercise. Regular exercise improves physical and mental health by strengthening the heart, building muscle and improving mental health through mood-boosting chemicals.
• Stress. Reducing stress improves health, boosts your immune system and enhances your overall well-being.

When to call your doctor

While many colds and strains of flu can be handled by home remedies, there are things to look out for that can cause concern. If there are any signs of worsening symptoms like a prolonged fever, increased difficulty in breathing and indications of dehydration (not peeing as often), it’s time to take action. A significant decrease in energy, wanting to sleep more and overall, not playing the way your child normally does are all signs something may be off and are reasons to call your pediatrician.

Most colds and many cases of the flu can be safely managed at home with rest, hydration and symptom relief. If you're ever unsure, trust your instincts. You know your child best, and your pediatrician can help guide you when you need support.