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Medication and Illness
Two sides of one coin: Prevention and treatment
It's inevitable - at some point, every child gets sick. But as a parent, you can help decrease the chances by following simple, everyday health and safety procedures -- such as hand washing - to avoid illnesses like the flu, which can pose serious risks to very young children. And when your child does get sick, by being informed and asking questions you can make sure that over-the-counter and prescription medications are used and stored properly so they help your child recover as swiftly as possible.
Read the label of all products you buy to verify that they are authorized for sale. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada have been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. These products will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. Some natural health products may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is in the process of reviewing their application for licensing.
Fast Facts
Because of the ingredients they contain, some over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should never be given to children under the age of six. Always check the label first to make sure the medication is suitable for your child.
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