Caring for yourself at home if you’re sick

Lots of parents are worried at a time like this, and you may have many questions about how to keep your family safe. Here are the answers to some common questions that parents are asking.

Take care of yourself

Get extra rest.Bed rest can help you feel better.

Drink plenty of fluids.This helps replace fluids lost from fever. Fluids also help ease a scratchy throat. Water, soup, fruit juice, and hot tea with lemon are good choices.

Ease your cough.

• Suck on cough drops or plain hard candy.
• Try an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan. Some people think it helps them cough less. But check the label first: These medicines may not be safe for people who have certain health problems.
• Use an extra bed pillow to raise your head. This may help if coughing keeps you awake.

Relieve fever. Fever is a sign that your immune system is fighting the virus. Reducing the fever won’t make your symptoms go away faster, but it may make you more comfortable. If you need to reduce a fever:

• Sponge your body with lukewarm water. Don’t use cold water or ice.
• Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). It may also help with muscle aches. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Use petroleum jelly on sore skin. This can help if the skin around your nose and lips becomes sore from repeated rubbing with tissues.