When we’re sick, body aches are often described as muscle or joint pain, or sensitive, tingling skin. These sensations are caused by your immune system sending white blood cells to attack the virus, causing inflammation in your muscles and joints.
As with all viral symptoms, time and patience are the real healing tools. However, there are a few things you can try to limit some discomfort from your body aches while your body works its magic.
Warm Baths
The best thing you can do for sore muscles/joints is soak in a warm bath. If you or your child is running a fever - which would be very common in addition to the body aches - ensure the water isn’t too warm, as this can elevate the fever.
Bonus Bath: Add Epsom Salt
Add 1-2 cups of epsom salt to your bath water for an extra boost. Epsom salt is 100% magnesium and it does an excellent job of relaxing muscles, relieving pain/tension and helping headaches or migraines. Epsom salt is safe for all ages, as long as it stays in the tub and not in your little one’s mouth.
Hydrate + Rest
At the risk of being repetitive, sleep and fluids are essential to feeling better, faster. When you’re sick, your body is working overtime to “fix” everything. If you’re trying to do this on an empty tank, you’re prolonging the healing process.
- 0-6 months: stick with breast milk and/or formula.
- 6-12 months: add water. Offering diluted juice sparingly is okay, too.
- 12 months and older: whatever you all like to drink is great! Caffeine and alcohol are not the best choices for hydration, so avoid those if you can.
Medication
It’s always ideal to let your body do its job without interfering with medication, when possible. However, since you’re likely fighting off a virus, are uncomfortable, and are potentially running a fever, here’s what to know if you do decide to take meds:
- 0-3 months: Talk with your pediatrician before giving any medication to these tiny tots.
- 3-6 months: You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort or if a moderate fever develops (>100 ℉ underarm or >102 ℉ rectally).
- 6 months and older: You may give (or take) ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort or if a moderate fever develops (>100 ℉ underarm, >101 ℉ under the tongue, >102 ℉ rectally or in the ear).
- Adults 18 and older: Aspirin is another option to alleviate pain or fever. Aspirin should not be given to anyone under 18 years old - it is linked to Reye’s syndrome, which is triggered in children when they are recovering from a viral infection. It is rare but very serious and not worth the gamble.
While body aches are unpleasant, they will resolve as the virus resolves. No need to worry or call the doctor. If you have other symptoms arise, enter them in your Kinsa app or check out our other Care Guide articles. We include tips on how to feel better and times you should reach out to the doctor.
We hope you feel better soon!
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