Flu season’s here again, and with it comes the overwhelming feeling of what do I do now when my child starts showing symptoms?
You’re not alone in this! One of my best friends, who’s usually super calm about things, is dealing with a sick little one right now, and I can’t help but feel for her. Her daughter’s showing classic flu symptoms – fever, sore throat, body aches—and she’s already thinking about rushing to the ER, even though she knows it’s probably unnecessary. Too often, parents aren’t sure what to do and panic – then take their kids to the ER, where they are actually putting them more at risk and taking up space. So, here’s the thing: I know it’s hard not to panic, but going to the emergency room right away can often just make things worse. Not only are we putting our kids at risk by exposing them to more illnesses, but we’re also tying up emergency rooms with cases that really don’t need them.
I can relate because my sister is a huge believer in vaccines. She gets the flu shot every year. But every single year, she still ends up having the flu. It’s frustrating, I know, and that’s when I remind her: vaccines are one thing, but the body’s natural immune system is something else altogether. Inside the vaccine insert, you’ll find: “Safety & effectiveness have not been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers.” That would make me feel like I was an experiment. How many informed parents are willing to take that risk? Just read an insert for yourself! You can find them on the FDA and CDC websites. Many of the flu vaccines contain mercury, which is a known neurotoxin. Those that don’t contain mercury still contain other toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde & polysorbate 80, which are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). We’ve seen vaccination rates nearly double in the last few years, but flu deaths haven’t changed at all. Not only is the vaccine largely ineffective against the flu (and especially ineffective against the flu-like illness that the shot doesn’t even cover), but it also comes with risks! Many safer and more effective natural methods are available to help prevent or ease flu symptoms. For most people, home care is all that’s needed to recover from this mild illness. (And please avoid Tamiflu – too many risks!) I prefer to use star anise or white pine needles as medicine. They have no adverse effects, and they taste great! To further dive into this, I highly recommend reading the Should I get a flu shot? guide from Earthley.
Speaking of which, let’s chat about flu symptoms because knowing what you’re dealing with is helpful. Then, we can get more into those remedy options. Flu symptoms can include fever (or chills), sore throat, body aches, a runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, headaches, low or no appetite, and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea (which is more common in kids than adults). It’s important to remember that a fever is not an illness—it’s actually one of the body’s most powerful ways of fighting off an infection. The fever kicks into gear to kill the harmful bacteria by making the body less hospitable for them. So, don’t rush to take a painkiller or run to the doctor right away! Supporting the fever is a better move. I know it’s tough, but trying to suppress it too early can prevent your body from getting rid of the virus naturally. Plus, if the fever stays in a normal range (below 105ºF), it’s not dangerous—your body won’t let it get high enough to cause damage. Fever is your body’s warrior!
Trust me, I get it—worrying about your kid’s health is the hardest part. But before you start reaching for medication, remember that acetaminophen and ibuprofen (the go-to fever reducers) can actually damage your liver in the long run, and that’s not something you want to risk. We want to nourish those body symptoms. Illness is detox, and we don’t want to have to detox more to rid the body of pharmaceuticals.
Let’s talk about alternatives, especially if you’re like us and want to try more natural remedies to ease symptoms. When things feel overwhelming, there are some amazing, natural ways to support your child’s recovery that have worked wonders for me and my family:
- Fire Cider – I swear by this one! It’s full of immune-supporting ingredients like apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and honey. It helps the body detox and fight off infection. It’s a great idea to make a batch in the summer so it’ll be ready for this time of year.
- Pine Needle Tea – This one’s fascinating! Native Americans have used white pine trees (“The Tree of Peace”) for centuries. You may have one growing nearby! Pine needles are packed with vitamin C and have shikimic acid (the same stuff artificially created to make Tamiflu!).
- Elderberry Syrup – A total game-changer! Elderberry is proven to shorten flu symptoms and make them less severe. I always keep a bottle on hand when “flu season” hits. If you’d like help making your own, you can order a kit from Earthley.
- Detox Baths – A nice warm bath with some added salt, clay, or herbs like lavender or yarrow can help draw out toxins and ease muscle aches.
- Magnesium – Trust me, this helps. It soothes the body and supports the immune system, which is exactly what you need right now. I prefer it in lotion form because our bodies seem to absorb it better that way.
- Ginger & Ceylon Cinnamon – Both are wonderful for warming the body, easing nausea, and supporting immunity. A warm cup of ginger tea can really make a difference!
- Vitamin C & Zinc – The immune system loves these two. They both support immunity and fight off inflammation. Fresh fruits, citrus, and even a quality supplement can really help during flu season. A supplement with real whole food ingredients is superior; I prefer Oyster-Min for the zinc! An excellent source of vitamin C is Immune-Aid powder!
- Feel Better Fast Tincture (from Earthley) – This is an all-in-one natural remedy that I’ve found super effective. It has echinacea, elderflower, and astragalus root—all known for supporting the immune system and helping the body recover.
- Cough-B-Gone Tincture (from Earthley) – An herbal tincture created to help relieve colds, coughs, and congestion. Rather than use synthetic, chemical-tasting cough syrups, nourish your body and support the respiratory system with the natural power of herbs.
- Herbal tea with raw honey – Herbs are the foundation of wellness right beside diet if you ask me – and there truly is an herb for every ailment. The ones I’d reach for (besides the ones mentioned above) during a flu-like illness would be thyme, oregano, peppermint, chamomile, and mullein. I’d pair it with raw local honey that I would stir in after it had some time to cool down so it doesn’t destroy the honey’s medicinal properties. Inhaling the steam from your warm tea is also super beneficial.
- Activated Charcoal powder or capsules – If you have the stomach flu or are vomiting while having the flu, you should consider using this. It binds to toxins inside the gut and draws them out. Things to keep in mind, however, are that it can interfere with medications and stains!
- Star Anise – It contains plant compounds with potent antioxidants, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit health in several ways. Star anise is high in the antiviral compound shikimic acid, like the white pine mentioned above.
- Homeopathy – There is a remedy called Oscillococcinum that many people use for their cold or flu. It is said to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
So, I am sure people want to know when do I take my child to the ER? This advice varies, but from what I have gathered, this combination would have me heading out the door . . . inconsolability, retracted breathing, chest pains, a child complaining of bad neck stiffness, and the child acting very confused. But remember, this is rare.
If your little one is struggling to breathe or you notice their fever rising above 105ºF, don’t hesitate to get medical advice if that’s what your brain needs. But don’t panic— taking deep breaths yourself can help you stay calm. Studies show that the number one thing you can do for your child during this time is create a supportive home environment with lots of fluids, rest, and natural remedies to ease discomfort. It really helps to have the book Natural Remedies for Kids on hand – it has answers to so many questions related to this and to many other ailments. This empowering book dives headfirst into the pressing issues of children’s health and reveals how natural remedies can be a game-changer. It makes a wonderful gift too!
The flu can be tough, but you’ve got this, mama. You’re not alone in this journey. From one mom to another, I promise you that your natural instincts will guide you to what’s best for your little one. Stay strong, trust your intuition, and support your child’s body with love, care, and herbs! ❤️
-Marlee Francis
