When Your Child Has the Sniffles...

Important Information About Children's Medication

When children are sick, parents naturally want to help them recover quickly. All parents can relate to their child having cold or flu symptoms, a temperature, sneezing, coughing, and being very uncomfortable. And every parent will tell you that their young toddler or preschooler clings to them like glue when they are feeling miserable and in need of comfort.

We are not medical professionals at NACCRRA, but Parent Central is here to serve you with information you need. We do not have a position on the FDA committee decision but Parent Central wants to share what is out there in the news. As we approach cold and flu season, here are the recent recommendations from the federal government, and some tips and strategies for when your child starts to sniffle.

You may have seen in your area newspaper that a special committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising that over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be used for children under the age of 6, saying there was insufficient evidence that the remedies worked or were safe for this young age group.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a nationwide campaign to educate parents about the use of antibiotics- what they are good for, and when they should not be used.

Bacteria and Viruses are Different

Bacteria and viruses are very different. They have different molecular structures and affect the body in different ways. Bacteria live in the human body and are healthy and natural in certain proportions. Certain bacteria in the body can grow out of control and can cause infections.  Examples of bacterial infections include strep throat, pneumonia, and sinus infections. 

Viruses are not living cells and are contracted by people through the air or direct contact with other people (sneezing, or sharing a drink, for instance).   Examples of viruses are colds, coughs, and the flu. Viruses often change and mutate which makes them difficult to cure.

Antibiotics are medicines that destroy and stop the growth of bacteria, staph, fungi and other microorganisms. They are not effective on viruses. 

Using Antibiotics for Treatment

Antibiotics are meant to attack and get rid of bacteria. If a physician determines you have a bacterial infection and prescribes medication, it is important to take the required dose and to finish all medication.  On the other hand, if you do not have a bacterial infection and take antibiotics, the antibiotics will start to attack any kind of bacteria (even good or healthy bacteria) in your body and that can cause problems.  The body can become resistant to antibiotics because of improper use or overuse.

Many children (and adults) are being prescribed antibiotics for viruses (colds, flu) because many doctors feel pressured, adults don’t want to miss time from work, and parents are insisting that their children's symptoms aren't getting better over time.  This is now a major concern and health problem being addressed by the federal government (see link "Your Toolbox" on the right).  

Using Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines for Treatment

Countless medications are available over-the-counter (that is, without a prescription) and are intended to relieve symptoms so we feel better and can get back to regular life when we are under the weather. An advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration indicated that cough and cold medications should not be given to children age 6 and under, because there is not enough evidence to suggest that these products are safe or effective for young children. Painkiller and fever reducers are still ok. Products are not being taken off the market. This was a recommendation by a committee to the FDA, and it could be some time before the FDA acts on the recommendations of the committee.

Your Child is Sick, What Do You Do?

To best help your child when sick, know the facts.

• Kids need a little "TLC" when they are sick.
• Children should drink lots of fluids.
• Steam helps- try a vaporizer or sit with your child in a steamy bathroom.
• Children should get rest (so should adults, when we can!)
• Everyone in the family should regularly wash hands to control the spread of germs.
• Allow time for the illness to run its course.   Colds and flu can take many weeks to completely go away. 
• Follow all instructions for dosage amount and frequency exactly as written or explained by your doctor
• Antibiotics do not treat colds. 
• Keep all medication out of reach of children.
• Talk with your family doctor about a treatment plan that will allow your child to heal naturally and most comfortably.

It can be difficult when your child is not feeling well.  There may be time missed from school, from work, a child care provider may not want your child to attend for awhile.  You can share information with your child care provider about colds and flu and let them know the length of time of your child’s symptoms is normal.  Talk with your pediatrician and make the choices that are right for your family.

Taken from: Parent Central Issue #27, November 2007

Parent Central Express is the monthly e-newsletter of Parent Central, a program dedicated to helping parents access information on children's issues and resources on parenting.  Parent Central is a program of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).