What can I do for my child at home?
Nasal washes for a blocked nose
If your child's nose is blocked, he or she may not be able to breastfeed or drink from a milk bottle. Place 3 drops of saline in each nostril. After about 1 minute, use a soft rubber suction bulb to suck out the mucus. You can repeat this several times until your child's breathing through the nose becomes quiet and easy.
Feeding
Encourage your child to drink adequate fluids. Feeding is often tiring so offer your child formula or breast milk in smaller amounts at more frequent intervals. If your child vomits during a coughing spasm, you may feed the child again.
Do not smoke
Tobacco smoke aggravates coughing. The incidence of prolonged wheezing increases greatly in children who have an RSV infection and are exposed to passive smoking. Do not let anyone smoke around your child, especially in your home.
Bring your child to the Children's Emergency immediately if:
- Your child's breathing becomes laboured or difficult
- Your child's breathing is faster than 40 breaths per minute when he or she is not crying
- Your child is lethargic, refuses to eat or drink, is irritable or unusually restless