Viral Illnesses

Our healthcare professionals at the poison center are available 24 hours a day, and most of the time can walk you through what to do at home when you have questions about viral illnesses. Remember your poison center never closes, and we are here for you to help with any poisoning or if you have questions, at 1-800-222-1222.

Cough and Colds

Cough And Cold fact sheet is available for download.

Medications may be more available in the home during cough & cold season than other times of the year. Children are attracted to products that are flavored to taste good or resemble candy or beverages. Cough and cold medication may contain antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. When used incorrectly, they may cause agitation or drowsiness. In large doses they may have effects on blood pressure and heart rhythm.

Be sure you are not using two or more products with the same ingredients, particularly Acetaminophen.

Call with questions if you are not sure how much cough or cold medication to give or how to use multiple products.

Remember: Keep all medications up and away from children and return them to safe storage immediately after use.
Always check with other adults to prevent-double dosing of medication.
Be sure to turn on lights at night to ensure that the right medication and the right dose is given.
Cough and cold medicines can cause drowsiness or extreme agitation (excitement).
Many cough and cold medicines contain aspirin, acetaminophen or alcohol.
Follow label directions for dosage very carefully. Medicines may come in both child and adult strengths.
Children between 4 and 6 years of age should only be given over-the-counter cold medication if recommended by the child's doctor.

Only obtain COVID-19 information from trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, the World Health Organization (WHO) website, State and local Health Departments, and Poison Centers.

Relieving Cold Symptoms

Give fluids. Liquids such as water, juice and broth might help thin mucus. Warm liquids, such as tea or chicken soup, might have a soothing effect, increase the flow of nasal mucus and loosen mucus in the lungs. Giving honey to children older than 1 year also might help a cough.

Run a cool-mist humidifier. This can add moisture to the air, which might lessen the drying of the nasal passages and throat. Place the humidifier near your child's bed. Clean the humidifier after every use.

Use nasal saline. Saline is available without a prescription can keep nasal passages moist and loosen mucus. Give saline nasal drops to younger children. After a short time, use a rubber-bulb syringe to draw mucus out of each nostril. For older children, use a saline nasal spray or saline nasal wash, called irrigation.

Offer frozen drinks or foods. Ice cream, frozen fruit pops, ice or cold beverages might feel good on a sore throat.

Offer hard candy or lozenges. For children age 6 years and older, sucking on a piece of hard candy or a lozenge might soothe throat pain. But hard candy and lozenges are a choking hazard. Don't give them to children younger than age 6.

Antibiotics can fight germs called bacteria. But they don't work on viruses, which cause colds. If your child has a cold, antibiotics won't help.

Keeping Kids Safe

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Accidental exposures related to hand sanitizers and household cleaning products, including disinfectants and bleach, continue to happen. These are primarily due to these products being used as usual, and then left accessible to children rather than safely placing them out of their reach.

All chemicals, including hand sanitizers, should be stored out of sight and out of reach of children. Make sure you are keeping all chemicals up AND away; never on a counter, cabinet, or on an open shelf. The safest bet is to keep them up high, in a closed cabinet, with a lock for extra security.

Children will most commonly access hand sanitizer by putting their mouths on the pump, or by licking what was pumped out on their hands by parents. Serious toxicity would not be expected in either of these situations, even if it was a methanol- or benzene-containing product.

Even alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are made properly and do not contain contaminants can cause serious effects in children if too much is ingested. If swallowed, it can lower blood sugar.
In extreme, untreated situations, these products can lead to coma and seizures. That's why the first treatment instruction after a child drinks alcohol, from any source, is to give something sweet to drink.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also make kids intoxicated; more serious problems can include slow heart rate and slow breathing.
All hand sanitizers can be irritating to the stomach, causing nausea or vomiting if swallowed.
Call the Poison Helpline see if they need medical attention or if it is safe to watch them at home.

Cleaning Products

When cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of flu and COVID viruses be sure to follow the directions on label. Know how and where to use disinfectants. Some cleaning products can cause chemical burns, so if accidental ingestion occurs never induce vomiting.

Here are some helpful tips:

Never mix cleaning products or other chemicals.
Mixing these products and chemicals can create toxic gases.
Exposure to toxic gases like chlorine can lead to significant irritation of the skin and eyes, difficulty breathing, and even death.
Do not use professional grade cleaning products in your home.
Many cleaning products and chemicals can be irritating and have a strong odor, so open windows and doors to ventilate properly while cleaning.
Do not use disinfectants on people, only use on surfaces listed on the label. They are not designed to be effective on skin and can increase health risks if used that way. Always follow the label for how and where to use disinfectants. Wash your hands after every use.
If you feel sick while cleaning, stop immediately, head to fresh air and call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Over the Counter Medicine, including Vitamins and Supplements

Trying to boost your immunity? Do not overdo it on vitamins and supplements. Taking too much can be harmful and can lead to side effects.

Taking too much zinc can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If taken for too long, zinc can also interfere with iron absorption leading to an iron deficiency anemia.

Just like any over-the-counter medication, always consult your healthcare provider first before taking new vitamins or supplements. If you or your child is sick with body aches and fever, be aware that it is possible to overdose on several OTC pain relievers including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Read the dosing instructions carefully and never exceed the recommended dose. If you accidentally take too much of these medications contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to see if medical care will be needed.

Bites and Stings