My ds woke up with what I am sure is a head cold. He has a slight fever, headache and a sore throat. Of course he had a field trip today poor guy. Anyway I have motrin, tylenol, several cold with cough suppressants. But I am sure that there are ones better for his symptoms. I was thinking to go to the store. So I thought I would ask you all what you use for these symptoms? I am going to hold off on the doctor until at least tommorrow. They will probably tell me its just viral. Plus I am off tommorrow morning. Thanks in advance.

By Vicki on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 08:10 am:

I would give the motrin myself. That will help with the headache, fever, and possibly the sore throat as well. Does he have swollen glands or is it more of an irritation sore throat? They make sore throat drops as well that are different than cough drops. If your going to the store, you could look for those.

By Pamt on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 08:11 am:

Tylenol or Advil will take care of the headache and the sore throat. If you think the sore throat is caused from drainage, then possibly a decongestant or antihistimine (depending on symptoms). Cold with cough medicine wouldn't be necessary because he doesn't have a cough.

Also, eating cold stuff like pudding, ice cream, popsicles and/or drinking warm apple cider, hot chocolate, or eating warm soup will help his throat feel better too.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 08:12 am:

Poor kiddo. Hope he's feeling better soon! Is he congested? If not, I'd just give him regular Tylenol or Motrin. I don't like to give my kids decongestants unless they really need them.

My DD (7) is home sick from school today, too. No field trip, but today is the special May Day celebration. She doesn't even care that she's missing it so I know she's really feeling under the weather. She had diarrhea this morning, has a low grade fever and is feeling nauseous.

By Tripletmom on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 08:49 am:

I'd give him Motrin-It would help with the headache and sore throat and fever.I hope he's feeling better soon.

By Tklinreston on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 01:30 pm:

I usually give Motrin. Sometime I will supplement with 1 tsp of Benadryl if they have a cough. One of my best friend is a family practitioner and she pointed out an article to me recently that shows that most cough medications do not work. THe most effective over the counter medicine to alleviate those symptoms was an antihistamine like Benadryl. It also helps them sleep and get much needed rest.