Should the baby get cold medicine?
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat. When Mom or Dad gets a cold, an over-the-counter remedy might relieve symptoms. But when Baby gets a cold, then what? Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there's little evidence cough and cold medicines work in children under age two. And there is evidence that giving these young kids the drugs can be dangerous. The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report says three infants died from cold and cough medicines in 2005. It's rare, but it happens. So what can parents do, short of going to a doctor? The CDC's Dr. Adam Cohen: "Parents can use a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room. Parents might also clearing nasal congestion by gently using a rubber suction bulb. A stuffy nose may also be helped by using saline nose drops." (12 seconds) Learn more at www.hhs.gov. HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss. Last revised: September, 17 2007 | 
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