No one likes the dreaded cold and flu season, particularly if you have kids.
It is so hard to see them suffering so we'd literally try anything to make them feel better.
But, according to an expert, that's not the recommended approach.
Here are Dr Sam Hay's 3 things not to do if your kids have a cold.
3 things not to do if your kids have a cold
- Don't use over the counter cough mixtures: “All viral upper respiratory tract infections have a cough as a major symptom. The cough is triggered by the infection of the airway lining, and all the mucous building up”, he explains. He acknowledges that as a parent, you don’t want your sick child (or your other children) kept awake by an annoying, niggly cough, but says you should avoid buying products like cough syrup. He explained to Kidspot that these products which contain a variety of medications “promise the world”, but don’t actually fix the problem at all “There’s barely any evidence that suggests these over the counter products work at all to fight off infection or soothe symptoms of coughs and colds." Instead, he suggests: “When my kids get sick I pull the extra pillow out to prop their head up for sleeping. They get a hot steamy shower before bedtime, and we use saline drops for the nose to loosen up all that snot.”
- Don't “throw vitamins, herbs and spices at a cold": He breaks down the myths surrounding several natural remedies:
- Vitamin E and garlic: These two have to be the biggest mythical cold remedies of all time! After numerous studies, there’s just no evidence that these help at all during a cold.
- Vitamin C: This is an interesting one. A daily dose of Vitamin C does reduce your risk of getting a cold by about 10%, but…. you have to be taking it weeks beforehand. There’s no point giving it to the family the day they get their runny nose.
- Probiotics and Echinacea: Again, there’s evidence they may help prevent you getting a cold, but it’s borderline, and like Vitamin C you have to start early.
He explains that a healthy immune system relies on a healthy diet, so when your kids get sick you should be giving them plenty of water and good wholesome food rather than the junk food you may be tempted to give them when they’re feeling unwell and sad.
3. Don't go straight to antibiotics: “The cold or flu is caused by a virus. They attack the respiratory lining of your nose, throat, ears, sinuses, and large airways of the chest - that's why you get a whole combination of symptoms from each of those areas.” He said antibiotics are necessary if there’s an infection, but you won’t know if this is the case right away. A cold can last three to five days, but if they still have symptoms after that or they’re coming from one particular area, then you can visit your GP and they will determine if antibiotics are necessary. “Antibiotics are for bacteria, and are completely useless against viruses. If you’re only one or two days in, please don’t demand that script, because it’s just not necessary.”
NOTE: The advice featured should not replace the instructions of a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concerns, always visit your doctor.
