It’s been a few weeks since the FDA recommended that all infant cold and cough medications be pulled from shelves. But as cold and flu season rolls in—parents are asking, ‘What am I supposed to do now for my sick baby?’”

“Parents are concerned about how to treat the cough and cold this year since they don’t have access to or feel safe using over the counter cough medications right now,” says Arthur Benzick, M.D., pediatrician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. “They’re all asking what they should do instead.”

According to Dr. Benzick, there are lots of things parents can do for a cough or cold that does not include medication.

“For example, nasal saline can be used on a young child. You can also elevate the head of the bed or use a humidifier or vaporizer to help the child sleep through the night,” explains Dr. Benzick.

Many pediatricians add that it’s a misconception that these cough and cold medications are cures.

“Most of the viruses and common colds that circulate every year go away on their own without any medication,” adds Dr. Benzick. “These medications only help relieve the symptoms—not kill the virus. Usually, a virus like that will run its course in about five to 10 days.”

If your child comes down with a cough or cold this year, Dr. Benzick recommends the following tips to help alleviate symptoms.
• Use nasal saline drops.
• Elevate the head of the crib.
• Use a humidifier.

“If the child still appears to be uncomfortable you can also give them a non-aspirin pain reliever,” says Dr. Benzick.

So should parents contact their pediatrician when their children show symptoms? Or should they just try the recommendations above?

Dr. Benzick says that with most colds, kids will get better on their own.

“But if your child runs a fever of more than 100.4 degrees or if they have had a cough for more than a few days, it’s best to go ahead and call their pediatrician,” adds Dr. Benzick.

Source: Baylor Health Care System