Rx: A Prescription for Your Child With a Viral Illness

The health care provider examined your child and diagnosed a viral illness.

Diagnosis (what your child has)

_____ Cold              

_____ Sore Throat

_____ Flu

_____ Cough

Antibiotics can only treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. To help your child feel better while the viral illness runs its course, do the home care steps checked off by the health care provider.

What to Do

_____ Give your child lots of liquids to drink.

_____ Use a cool-mist humidifier or saltwater nose drops for a stuffy nose.

_____ Give ice pops or ice chips for a sore throat.

_____ Let your child rest as much as needed.

Treatment

_____ For fever: ______________________________________________                   

_____ For ear pain: ____________________________________________

_____ For a sore throat: ________________________________________

_____ For a cold: ______________________________________________

If the health care provider gave medicine, take it as directed. Stop the medicine when your child's symptoms are better.

Call Your Child's Health Care Provider

If your child is not getting better in _____days or has new symptoms, call your regular provider to schedule an appointment.

Signed:_________________________________________________________