Why am I coughing, Clara?

Page 1 — The cough begins

1. 1. At home

   • The child: “Cough, cough! I'm coughing…”
   • The mother: “When did it start? Do you have a fever?”

2. 2. Why do we cough?

   • Clara: “Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear secretions, germs or whatever irritates the airways.”

3. 3. A cold can cause a cough

   • A cough often comes with a stuffy nose, a runny nose or a sore throat.
   • The pictures show: stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat.

4. 4. Watching at home

   • The board shows: temperature (fever?), breathing, hydration, general condition.

5. 5. When to see a professional?

   • Clara: “If the cough persists, worries you or comes with other symptoms, a visit to the clinic can be helpful.”
   • Key point: it's not an emergency if the child is breathing normally and remains in good general condition.

6. 6. Booking an appointment

   • The mother: “We'll go to the clinic so they can check it with us.”
   • The child: “Okay!”

“A reassuring comic to help children understand coughing.”

Page 2 — I protect others

1. 1. Before going out

   • The mother: “When we cough, we also try to protect others.”
   • The child: “Okay!”

2. 2. I cough into my elbow

   • “It helps avoid spreading germs around you.”

3. 3. I use a tissue

   • “Then I throw the tissue in the garbage.”

4. 4. I wash my hands

   • “After coughing or blowing my nose, I wash my hands.”

5. 5. The mask

   • Clara: “If you have respiratory symptoms and you're old enough to tolerate it well, a mask can help protect others.”
   • Key point: the mask must cover the nose and mouth.
   • Key point: under 2, no mask.

6. 6. Arriving at the clinic

   • The mother: “Let's go in calmly.”
   • The child: “I'm ready!”

“Simple gestures to take care of yourself and others.”

Page 3 — At the clinic

1. 1. Welcome!

   • Clara: “Hello! I'm Clara. We're going to see how you're doing today.”
   • The child: “Hi Clara!”

2. 2. Taking stock

   • Clara: “How long have you been coughing? Do you have a fever? Are you drinking well? Are you having trouble breathing?”
   • The mother: “He's been coughing since yesterday and his nose is stuffy.”

3. 3. Checking how you are

   • The board shows: temperature, breathing, hydration, general condition.

4. 4. Listening to your lungs

   • Clara: “I'm listening to your lungs and checking that you're breathing well.”
   • The child: “It tickles a little.”

5. 5. Several possible causes

   • Clara: “A cough can come with a cold, irritated airways, and sometimes other causes like asthma.”
   • The pictures show: cold (runny nose), irritated airways, asthma (sometimes).

6. 6. A plan for you

   • Clara: “I'll explain what to do at home and when to come back if needed.”
   • The mother: “Thank you!”

“Understanding the visit better helps the child feel confident.”

Page 4 — Taking care of yourself

1. 1. Resting

   • Clara: “Rest helps your body recover.”

2. 2. Drinking often

   • Clara: “Drinking helps you stay hydrated.”

3. 3. The nose

   • Clara: “When the nose is very stuffy, a saline rinse can help.”

4. 4. Other little gestures

   • Simple gestures can help with comfort.
   • Fresh air: a well-ventilated room can help.
   • Tissues: keep tissues within reach.
   • Hand washing: helps prevent the spread of germs.
   • Calm: quiet activities help you rest.

5. 5. Important!

   • We don't use cough or cold medicines in children under 6 without the advice of a health professional.

6. 6. Keeping an eye on things

   • The child: “I'm going to rest.”
   • The board shows: fever (warmer than usual), breathing (harder or faster), energy (less active), hydration (drinking well or not).

“Taking care of yourself at home often helps you recover better.”

Page 5 — When to ask for help?

1. 1. Feeling better?

   • “A cough often gets better little by little.”

2. 2. When to see a professional?

   • Clara: “See a health professional if the cough persists, if the fever lasts, if the child is drinking less or if you're worried.”

3. 3. When to see someone quickly?

   • See someone quickly if the child shows any of these signs: difficult breathing; very fast breathing; retractions (the skin sinking in between the ribs); the child is drowsier or listless.

4. 4. In an emergency

   • If the child has a lot of difficulty breathing, turns blue or is very hard to wake up, call 911.

5. 5. 811 can help

   • Clara: “Info-Santé 811 can also guide you if you have questions.”
   • The box shows: 811, health advice by phone, with a nurse, 7 days a week, free and confidential.

6. 6. Questions are welcome

   • Clara: “When something worries you, it's best to ask for advice.”
   • The mother: “That's reassuring.”

“Recognizing warning signs helps you act at the right time.”

Page 6 — Mission breathing!

1. 1. I understand better

   • The child: “I understand my cough better now.”

2. 2. I protect others

   • Clara: “Now you know the right gestures!”
   • The pictures show: coughing into your elbow, using a tissue, washing your hands, wearing a mask if needed.

3. 3. I take care of myself

   • The mother: “We'll keep up your little home care routine.”
   • The pictures show: resting, drinking water, rinsing the nose (saline water), staying calm.

4. 4. If things change

   • Clara: “And if your breathing changes or something worries your mom, we ask for help again.”
   • The board shows: he breathes faster or has trouble breathing; he has a higher fever; he feels much more tired; we see the clinic if needed.

5. 5. Well done!

   • Clara: “Breathing champion!”
   • The child: “Thank you, Clara!”
   • The child holds a diploma: “Breathing champion!”

6. 6. Goodbye!

   • The mother: “Thank you for your advice.”
   • The child: “Goodbye!”

“Understanding their cough helps children feel more confident.”