Be Ready This Cold and Flu Season

Be Ready This Cold and Flu Season

The common cold is the most frequent illness in the world with children affected the most. On average children have six to ten colds a year, with some having as many as twelve.

According to consultant paediatrician, Dr Johnny Taitz, colds and other related illnesses are seasonal and mainly occur in winter but have little to do with cold weather and more to do with the amount of viruses circulating at the time. 'Colds during winter have always been high especially for younger children who are more likely to develop a cold as they spend more time indoors and come in close contact with other children. The most common virus that leads to the common cold is the rhinovirus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat."

'The first symptom is usually a sore or scratchy throat, followed by nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing and coughing. The nasal discharge is initially watery but gradually becomes thicker and yellowish. To help the process along its important for parents to have products that loosen mucus and help clear the airways," says Dr Taitz.

Parents can be prepared for the upcoming cold and flu season by adopting these top tips by Dr Taitz. If your child does catch a cold or experience crusty eyes as a symptom, relief can be found with clinically-approved products like Little Coughs® with natural Ivy leaf extract, FESS Little Noses®, a gentle saline solution that loosens and thins mucus to help clear a blocked nose, or Children's FESS Saline Nasal Spray which is perfect for kids aged 2 - 10 years, to help relieve nasal congestion. Little Eyes are also ideal to remove secretions from the delicate eye area as the gentle cleansing wipes are perfectly pH balanced for children's skin.

Dr Taitz offers tips to help prevent kid's cold and flu this winter:

Encourage regular hand washing The best things you can do to prevent whatever is going around is to encourage regular hand-washing, especially before eating meals
Stop the spread of germs Teach children to sneeze or cough into a tissue or even their bent elbow as coughing into the hand will only spread those germs around on the next thing they touch
Keep hand sanitizers within easy reach Encourage school-age children to use hand sanitizers after play or pack a small pack in their school bags to help curb the spread of germs from other children
Keep hands away from face Remind children not to touch their nose, eyes, or mouth which is a common path for germs to spread
Don't send children to school or day-care sick Although this might be tough for working parents it is important not to send children to school when sick as this will just keep the virus spreading around
Keep toys clean If your child has frequent play-dates with other children who may be sniffily make sure to wash his or her toys well after each play

Here's some solutions for treating coughs and colds in children:

Clinically proven Little Coughs ® is a natural great-tasting cough syrup specifically developed to soothe coughs and chest congestion for your little one and is free from preservatives, artificial colours and flavours. Clinical studies have found natural Ivy leaf extract to be effective and extremely well tolerated by children. Available from pharmacies nationwide for RRP $13.95 for 100mL and $18.95 for 200 mL www.littlecoughs.com.au

FESS Little Noses is a gentle saline solution, which loosens and thins mucus to help clear a blocked nose and moisturise dry nasal passages to allow your child to breathe easier, naturally. It is also available without a special FESS nasal aspirator. Available from pharmacies nationwide RRP $12.95 http://fesslittlenoses.com.au

Children's FESS® saline nasal spray helps clear away excess mucus and stimulates the nose's natural defences. The gentle saline solution is non-medicated and preservative free and can be used as often as needed to help your child breathe easy. Available from pharmacies nationwide for RRP $11.95 www.fess.com.au

Little Eyes® are gentle hypoallergenic wipes specifically designed to cleanse the delicate area around little one's eyes and are pH balanced to match your child's own tears. Little Eyes are ideal for softly wiping away crusting and sticky residue from eyes and eye lashes. Available from pharmacies nationwide for RRP $15.99 www.littleeyes.com.au