The newborn stage, spanning from 0 to 6 months, is a critical period demanding meticulous care due to the infant’s vulnerable immune system. So, what should you do if a 3-month-old baby catches a cold? Let’s explore the symptoms and care in the following article.
Symptoms of a 3-Month-Old Baby with a Cold
The common cold is diagnosed as an acute infectious disease caused by cold viruses. Currently, three types of cold viruses affecting humans have been identified.
Typically occurring when viruses invade the respiratory tract, the baby’s weak immune system makes them susceptible to direct transmission from virus-laden droplets in the air.
Normal Signs in a 3-Month-Old Infant with a Cold
The incubation period in infants is 1-2 days after exposure to pathogenic agents, with symptoms appearing 5-7 days afterward. Symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose
- Mild fever of around 38 degrees Celsius
- Sore throat and continuous coughing
- Frequent sneezing and runny nose
- Poor or no appetite for breastfeeding
- High fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- Red rash or areas covered with red bumps
- Severe dehydration
- Sudden fatigue or excessive exhaustion
Signs of Danger in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Flu
In some cases, infants may exhibit rare symptoms when infected with the flu virus. Parents should not ignore the following symptoms:
- Fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher: Seek prompt medical attention.
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breaths
- Severe and persistent vomiting, prolonged diarrhea
- Reddish or purplish rash on the skin
- Bluish or pale fingers, toes, or lips
- Scratching ears or rubbing head, indicating discomfort or pain
- Blue or blood-containing phlegm in the baby’s throat
Possible Complications
Complications include acute respiratory infections, middle ear infection, myocarditis, and pericarditis. The flu virus can negatively impact the nervous system, leading to meningitis, encephalitis, hemiplegia, and even brain damage. The rarest but most dangerous complication is Reye’s syndrome, with a high mortality rate if not treated properly.
Children may develop asthma after the flu if not promptly treated or, if already with congenital asthma, their condition may worsen.
What should you do if a 3-month-old baby has the flu?
If a 3-month-old baby has the flu, what treatment options are available? How should you care for the baby? Parents need to equip themselves with knowledge to identify flu-like symptoms and take timely action to avoid endangering the baby’s life. Let’s explore more details below:
Ensure Adequate Hydration
When a baby has the flu, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing can lead to rapid water loss. The body cannot replenish water quickly enough, making the baby tired and uncomfortable. Providing sufficient hydration is crucial. For a 3-month-old baby, mothers can supplement water with breast milk, which contains both water and essential nutrients to provide energy.
It’s important not to give the baby water separately, as the digestive system is still too weak, and it may cause digestive problems and worsen flu symptoms.
Moisten the Air Around the Baby
A common symptom when a baby has the flu is a runny nose, with mucus hindering breathing. Humid air helps loosen the mucus, making it easier for the baby to breathe. Parents can use a humidifier in the baby’s room. Regularly check the room’s humidity levels to ensure they are neither too high nor too low. Additionally, clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and harmful toxins.
Cleaning Nasal and Throat Cavities
Cleaning the nasal and throat cavities prevents discomfort and mucus accumulation. Parents can use a medical suction device for this purpose. Here are effective steps to use the device:
- Sterilize the medical suction device before use.
- Suck out all the air inside the suction tube.
- Slowly insert the tube about 0.5 cm inside the infant’s nostril.
- Gently suction the mucus from inside the nose.
- Use a soft cloth soaked in warm water or saline to clean the outside of the nose.
Note: Avoid excessive use of the suction device to prevent nasal mucosa irritation, which could worsen the cold and lead to complications.
Ginger water for bathing can aid in treating colds in children
Fresh ginger is highly effective in addressing cold symptoms, making it suitable for children as young as 3 months old. With its spicy and warm nature, ginger, when introduced into the body, promotes warmth in the organs, expands blood vessels, stimulates sweat secretion, and effectively addresses colds.
To prepare ginger water, grate fresh ginger and steep it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Mix the ginger-infused water with warm water for the child’s bath. Gently rub the ginger water over the child’s body, allowing the ginger to gradually penetrate and treat the cold.
Note: When bathing the child, parents should use warm water, avoiding extremes that could exacerbate the condition. Conduct the bath in a closed room and promptly dry the child afterward.
Temporary Fever Reduction for 3-Month-Old Infants
Typically, 3-month-old infants may have a fever of around 38 degrees Celsius, requiring temporary home-based fever reduction. Loosen the child’s clothing and use a warm cloth on the forehead or armpit.
Determine the appropriate cloth temperature by using a thermometer in water. If the water in the bowl feels warm, it is suitable for applying the warm cloth to the child.
It is crucial to seek medical attention when necessary
While caring for a 3-month-old with the flu, there may be instances where parents cannot self-treat and must seek timely medical assistance. For infants aged 3 months, the flu is perilous if the following symptoms manifest:
- High fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius persisting for 3 days.
- Frequent seizures and fatigue.
- Difficulty breathing and rapid breaths.
- Fatigue, poor appetite, frequent vomiting, and refusal to breastfeed.
- Cold extremities, with fingers and toes turning blue or pale.
Note when caring for a 3-year-old child with the flu
Parents should be mindful of the following considerations to enhance the care and treatment of flu in a 3-month-old child. This also aids in preventing potential dangerous complications associated with the flu:
- Avoid using fever-reducing medications or antibiotics for a 3-month-old child with the flu.
- Refrain from using honey in folk remedies to treat flu in infants.
- Do not apply essential oils to the child’s body for flu treatment, as these oils may contain compounds that can be toxic to infants.
- Regularly clean and disinfect the child’s belongings and surfaces frequently touched by the child to prevent the flu virus from entering their body.
- Before interacting with the child, parents and adults should disinfect and wash their hands. If someone has the flu, they should avoid contact with infants.
- Maintain a clean and well-ventilated environment to facilitate better flu treatment for infants, aiding in a quicker recovery.
- Monitor the child’s health continually, and if any unusual symptoms arise, promptly seek medical attention at the nearest hospital or healthcare facility for diagnosis and treatment.
Read more: Caring for Newborns with Maternal Flu Infection
How to prevent the risk of flu in a 3-month-old baby?
Flu can affect individuals of all ages, with newborns and the elderly being particularly susceptible. However, parents can adopt measures to prevent flu in a 3-month-old baby. Here are some safe and effective preventive measures recommended by health experts:
Get a flu vaccine for the mother
The flu vaccine is a highly effective measure to prevent the spread of the flu virus in the community. While a 3-month-old baby is not eligible or necessary for flu vaccination, if the mother receives the vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it can provide partial protection for the baby. The vaccine stimulates the mother’s body to produce antibodies, which are also present in breast milk, offering additional immune protection to the baby against the flu virus.
Limit exposure of a 3-month-old baby to sick individuals
People who are sick or suspected of having the flu should avoid contact with a 3-month-old baby. Due to the baby’s underdeveloped immune system and lack of flu vaccination, the virus can easily enter their body. When the mother has the flu, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent transmission to the baby. While breast milk cannot transmit the flu, the baby should still be provided with sufficient breast milk. Hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission include:
- Washing hands thoroughly before interacting with the baby, using soap and warm water or hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
Good hygiene and healthy habits for the family
In addition to preventing illness in children, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent the spread of illness within the family. Family members can follow these practices to reduce the risk of infection for infants under 3 months old:
- Thoroughly wash hands before eating, preparing food, and after using the restroom, using soap and warm water for the infant.
- Regularly clean the home to prevent mold and create an environment less hospitable to viruses and bacteria.
- Avoid contact with individuals who have colds or other illnesses.
- Schedule regular check-ups for the infant and the family to monitor health and detect signs of illness.
- Ensure the infant receives the flu vaccine when they reach 6 months old and complete all recommended doses.
In addition to these hygiene practices, establishing a healthy diet for the infant from an early age is essential. This helps the infant develop a robust immune system capable of fighting off illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria. These tips can assist parents and family members in caring for infants with colds and preventing the spread of illness within the family.
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.