As parents, nothing is more important to us than the health of our children.

While we do our best to keep them safe and healthy, kids will inevitably get sick or injured at some point. But how can we best identify the symptoms of illness or injury, and what are the best remedies to help our children feel better?.

Common Illnesses and Symptoms in Kids

Some of the most common illnesses in kids include:.

Colds and Respiratory Infections

Symptoms of a cold or respiratory infection in kids may include:.

Coughing
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
Fatigue

To help your child feel better, make sure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications as directed.

Flu

Flu symptoms in kids are similar to those of a cold, but tend to be more severe. Additional symptoms may include:.

Fever over 100.4F
Body aches
Chills
Headache
Fatigue and weakness

To help your child feel better, make sure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications as directed. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe antiviral medication if the flu is diagnosed early.

Stomach Flu

Symptoms of the stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) may include:.

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain and cramping
Fever

To help your child feel better, make sure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid foods that may irritate their stomach. If your child becomes dehydrated, seek medical attention immediately.

Ear Infections

Symptoms of an ear infection in kids may include:.

Ear pain
Difficulty sleeping
Fever
Loss of appetite
Fluid draining from the ear

To help your child feel better, use over-the-counter medications as directed, and apply a warm compress to the affected ear. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

Common Injuries and Symptoms in Kids

In addition to illness, kids may also experience various injuries. Some of the most common injuries in kids include:.

Cuts and Scrapes

If your child experiences a cut or scrape, clean the affected area with soap and water, apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and cover with a sterile bandage.

Burns

If your child experiences a minor burn, run cool water over the affected area for several minutes and apply a bandage or ointment if necessary. Seek medical attention immediately for more severe burns or burns to the face.

Sprains and Strains

Symptoms of a sprain or strain may include:.

Pain and swelling
Restricted movement
Discoloration or bruising

To help your child feel better, apply ice to the affected area, elevate the injured limb if possible, and use over-the-counter pain medications as directed. Seek medical attention if the injury is severe or does not improve after a few days.

Broken Bones

Symptoms of a broken bone may include:.

Severe pain and swelling
Difficulty moving the affected limb
Deformity or misalignment of the limb

If you suspect your child has a broken bone, seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, immobilize the affected limb with a splint or makeshift brace, and use over-the-counter pain medications as directed.