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[1].
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.
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
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.
** Please ensure to consult your doctor before giving Little Coughs to children under the age of two years.
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