Helping Your Child Through the Cold and Flu Season

WHY DOES MY CHILD HAVE A COLD?

A cold is a mild but catching viral infection that is very common during the winter months. In the Ireland adults generally catch 2-4 colds a year. However because infants have little resistance to infections they can be unfortunate enough to suffer between 3 and 8 colds a year*. *(HSE)

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS A COLD?

One of the most common first signs of a cold is a general feeling of being unwell. If you child has a cold they may seem irritable and not their usual energetic selves. As the cold progresses your child may develop some of the following symptoms:

•          Runny or blocked nose
•          Sneezing
•          Coughing
•          Sore throat
•          Tiredness
•          Headaches, body aches and pains
•          Sometimes a cold can also trigger a fever (high temperature).

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD RECOVER FROM A COLD?

We all feel miserable when we have a cold and your child is no different. Although there is no cure for the common cold virus, there are ways you can help aid a speedier recovery.

•          Offer your child plenty of fluids
•          Make sure they rest
•          If the child appears distressed or in discomfort, consider using a children medicine to relieve pain and fever symptoms.

Nurofen for Children Cold, Flu and Pain Oral Suspension is clinically proven to be more effective than paracetamol at reducing fever from 4 hours after dosing. Nothing works to reduce fever faster or for longer.

Nurofen for Children liquid suspension is available in two flavours Strawberry and Orange.

Nurofen for Children Cold, Flu and Pain Orange 100mg/5mL Oral Suspension and Nurofen for Children Cold, Flu and Pain Strawberry 100mg/5mL Oral Suspension. Contains Ibuprofen, Always read the label.