Do's and Don'ts | Managing Flu Symptoms in Children and Teens

Do's and Don'ts for your child or teen taking certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve flu symptoms.

• Children/teenagers 5-18 years old
• Children younger than 4 years of age
• Children younger than 2 years of age

Children/teenagers 5-18 years old

DO's
DO take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms. They do not contain aspirin.

DO Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.

DON'Ts
DON’T take aspirin or products that contain aspirin (e.g. Pepto-Bismol®). This can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
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Children younger than 4 years of age

DO's
DO ask your doctor before using over- the-counter medications (e.g. Children’s Tylenol®, Children’s Motrin®).

DO follow the doctor’s instructions exactly to avoid dosing errors.

DON'Ts
DON’T give children over-the-counter cough and cold drugs containing antihistamines to help them sleep.
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Children younger than 2 years of age

DO's
DO use a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.

DO follow the doctor’s instructions for care.

DON'Ts
DON’T give over-the-counter cough and cold drugs to children younger than 2 years old.

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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.flu.gov – September 2009
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