Old-fashioned help for child cold and flu

FAIRFIELD, Calif., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A U.S. physician says tried and true remedies are part of the solution to concerns about the safety of children's over-the-counter cough and cold medications.

"We're back to relying on the basics, while also asking parents to monitor for symptoms of more serious illness," Dr. Linda Lawrence, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said in a statement.

Lawrence recommends fever and pain reducers such as acetaminophen, but no ibuprofen for infants under 6 months. To avoid potentially fatal Reye's syndrome, children under age 18 should not take aspirin or other salicylates.

"A mixture of honey and lemon in hot water or -- herbal or decaffeinated -- tea also helps, as does mint -- although honey should not be given to children under age 2 because of botulism concerns," Lawrence said.

Steam from a shower or humidifier helps clear clogged passages, and keeping the head elevated above the heart can aid drainage, she said. Gargling with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, or with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water, cooled to room temperature can be helpful, the doctor said.