Urge your child not to read or do close-up work. Wipe your child's closed eyes with a clean, wet cloth or wet cotton ball several times a day. Use distilled, not tap, water in the vaporizer and change the water daily. If your child is 5 years of age or older, have him or her suck on cough drops, lozenges or hard candy. Give your child plenty of fluids.
Water is helpful in loosening mucus and also soothes an irritated throat.
Fruit juices and even tea and soda are also good. Give your child cough medicines as recommended by his or her doctor or pharmacist. You can make your own cough medicine at home by mixing 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey or corn syrup. Have your child rest until the fever and rash go away. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.