With the change of seasons, colds, flu, fatigue, and low energy symptoms spread among children, especially in autumn and at the start of the school year. Many mothers notice signs of exhaustion and low activity in their children after returning from school. So, how should you act to prevent the situation from worsening?

Fatigue and cold or flu symptoms require quick and wise action, especially for children in early school stages, to prevent the illness from developing and to help the child recover properly and quickly.

Dr. Rania Latif, a pediatrician and neonatologist, says that if mothers notice their children suffering from unusual fatigue or complaints of headaches, it means the body is fighting a viral invasion and the immune system is trying to resist.

Dr. Rania advises giving the child a day off from school with rest, drinking chicken soup containing onions, lemon juice, anise, and guava leaves, along with nasal washing and mild pain relievers.

She explains that a day of rest helps the child fight the illness and recover, avoiding the need for a week of absence, doctor visits, and medication.

What to Do When Cough and Fever Appear

Regarding cough or fever, Dr. Rania says the most important step to prevent worsening of the cold is to continuously moisturize the nose and monitor breathing.

Moisturizing Is Key to Controlling Early Cold Symptoms

She adds that colds start with dryness of the mucous membranes (lining of the nostrils and throat), which allows viruses and bacteria to multiply faster. Therefore, controlling this dryness with sufficient water, saline nasal solutions, and warm fluids helps keep the membranes moist and prevents the infection from spreading.

The pediatrician stresses that if the child experiences rapid breathing or strange chest sounds accompanied by shortness of breath, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent worsening.

Important Tips for Treating Colds from the Start

Dr. Rania recommends drinking plenty of water and using saline nasal sprays 3 to 4 times a day, as they are more effective than any medication at the onset of a cold.

She also highlights the importance of drinking warm beverages like anise and mint (without excess sugar).