Minor illnesses like the common cold, flu, and stomach bugs are part of life. While they can leave you or your child feeling unwell, most of these conditions can be safely managed at home with the right care. Knowing what to expect and how to respond helps you recover more comfortably and avoid unnecessary clinic visits. In this article, we’ll guide you through simple, effective ways to manage symptoms, when to seek medical advice, and how to support your family’s recovery with confidence.
If you or your child have upper respiratory tract symptoms, no worries you can manage this at home. Most adults will get these symptoms 2-3 a year, and children might get it up to 10 times per year. It is harmless although it may not feel this way.
First you need to know how to differentiate between them:
Usually, cold symptoms are
Influenza (flu) symptoms are
These symptoms can usually last up to 10 days and cough might last up to 3 weeks, 90% of sore throat gets better in 7 days without treatment. Symptoms are worst in first 2-3 days, but you might feel tired for a weeklong.
The use of hand sanitizer or hand washing is the most effective way to prevent spread of infections. Colored nasal discharge can’t benefit from antibiotics. Management is directed towards symptom relief and not treating bacterial infections.
Most cases caused by viral infections which usually doesn’t respond to antibiotics and taking antibiotics in viral illness can be harmful as it might cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, allergic reaction, heart problems and increased resistance to antibiotics which means if you need it in the future, it may not work.
*If you or your chills symptoms lasted more than 7 days or cough lasts more than 3 weeks or temperature was above 38.4C.
If new symptoms arise or have new concerns as chest pain, shortness of breath, facial or headaches*
*If you or your child has side effects from medications. You should inform your physician immediately.
Gastroenteritis called for infections affecting your digestive tract, usually caused by viruses but can involve bacteria & parasites. Symptoms can last up to 5 days and usually resolves by itself, but we can help you manage these troublesome symptoms at home
Usually symptoms involve abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with or without fever and fatigue.
Drinking plenty of fluid as water and apple juice generally and over the counter oral rehydration solution for children, this can reduce dehydration specially in children and decrease the need for intravenous intervention.
Pain and fever control with over-the-counter paracetamol unless you are allergic to.
Diet control as avoiding spicy/ chilly food, caffeinate beverages, fatty food, milk-based products and try to eat banana, white rice, white pasta and toast.
Hand washing is important to avoid spreading infections
Over the counter anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea can help but you need to ask your physician first before taking them.
If you or your child have severe abdominal pain, feeling drowsy, has petechial rash, rapid breathing you should seek immediate medical help.
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