Medicines your kids shouldn't take for flu

When your child has the flu, your first impulse might be to grab a flu, fever, or cough medicine you have handy in your medicine cabinet, but grabbing aspirin can be a dangerous mistake. If your child or teenager (under 16) has the flu, never give them aspirin or medicine that contains aspirin, and children under six shouldn't take cough and cold medicines either. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome (a serious condition that causes fat to build up on the brain, liver, and other body organs) in children and teenagers, especially if they have a virus such as chicken pox, the flu, or flu symptoms.

Here are some common products that contain aspirin:

• Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Antacid and Pain Reliever (also the extra-strength version)
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
• Anacin Maximum Strength Analgesic Coated Tablets
• BC Powder
• BC Cold Powder Multi-Symptom Formula
• BC Cold Powder Non-Drowsy Formula
• Bayer Children's Cold Tablets
• Bufferin (all formulations)
• Excedrin Extra-Strength Analgesic Tablets and Caplets
• Pepto-Bismol

Be sure to read labels before purchasing an over-the-counter medicine for your child. Aspirin is frequently listed on OTC labels as salicylate, a chemical used to treat fever, headaches, and other pain. If you child has flu symptoms, consult your doctor and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks a lot of fluids.

—Ginger Skinner

Read our full advice on treating your child's flu symptoms and see our safety advice for treating your child's coughs and colds.