Colds and flu

All children are susceptible to colds and it's very unlikely for them not to suffer flu-like symptoms at some point. On average children can suffer from colds as many as twelve times a year and it can sometimes seem as though children in nursery or school constantly have a cold throughout the winter months - this is because of the ease with which the cold germs can be spread between children.

Causes

The common cold is caused by more than 100 different types of virus - each of which, once contracted, we become immune to. Being immune to one virus doesn't stop us from catching another. Winter is the prime time for colds for two main reasons: people spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other and central heating dries out the nasal passages which are an important defence against viruses.

Flu is caused by a different virus but can display many of the same symptoms as a cold. Affecting the upper respiratory tract (chest, lungs, throat, nasal passage), it can weaken the body's natural immune system, which means that you can catch other infections while you already have flu. It rarely occurs outside the months of November to February in the UK.

Symptoms

Both colds and flu can display the same symptoms, but there are ways of telling the difference between the two. Colds tend to start more slowly with a cough or tickly throat before the runny nose begins, accompanied by tiredness and a mild fever. Flu is more severe, comes on more quickly and usually results in a higher fever, chills, a headache, loss of appetite, muscle pains, exhaustion, a cough and, sometimes a blocked nose. A cold will usually last for around four days whereas flu will last for around a week. This is especially distressing for children, who sometimes find it difficult to tell you exactly where they feel or have pain, other than telling you they feel poorly.

Other symptoms of colds include sneezing, tiredness, blocked nose, cough and headache, and they can lead to ear infections.

Who is affected?

Anyone can contract either a cold or flu. The virus is spread through hand-to-had contact, touching contaminated surfaces and by tiny droplets (from sneezing or coughing) which is why children will probably catch a cold at school as they spend a lot of time in close contact with each other; it only takes one child to have a cold and it can seem as though everyone gets it. Winter is the prime time although you can catch a cold at any time of year, and some cold viruses are more common in summer.

Treatment

There is no cure for the common cold, but relief from symptoms is available. TLC goes a long way and you may also find that Medised for Children will help as the paracetamol will relieve the pain and fever while the antihistamine will ease their breathing and help them get a good night's sleep. You may also want to use a vaporiser or a decongestant rub to ease the blocked nose. Make sure they're warm (keep a bowl of water in the room, to keep it humid and help moisten nasal passages) and give them plenty of fluids.

Flu can be treated with similar methods, make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids.

As colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics (which act against bacteria) are not a suitable treatment option.

Further information

As with all childhood illnesses, if in doubt ask. You should call your doctor or visit your pharmacist with any questions or worries you may have. If your child is under two years old you cannot administer Medised for Children unless advised to do so by your doctor. Further information is available from:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk - a good general health site

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk - the NHS's 24 hour health advisory service, which can also be contacted by telephone: 0845 46 47

http://www.patient.co.uk - information resource for patients